Key Takeaways:
– Oklahoma is considering bills to lessen punishments for cockfighting.
– Opposition argues that altering the laws downplays the severity of animal cruelty.
– Some lawmakers propose using robots in cockfighting, provided real roosters remain safe.
– Concerns have been raised about cockfighting leading to the spread of bird flu.
Current Laws and Proposed Changes
Lawmakers in Oklahoma have introduced a series of bills. The aim? To adjust the state’s current laws on cockfighting. These adjustments range from lowering the penalties for involvement in such activities to the prospect of incorporating robotic elements into the fights.
Historically, Oklahoma has been stringent in its sanctions against cockfighting. As of 2002, Oklahomans who owned or trained cockfighting fowl faced a felony charge, 10 years imprisonment, and fines up to $25,000.
The new proposals challenge this. House Bills 1313 and 1326, drafted by Rep. Justin Humphrey, seek to downsize the punishment for cockfighting to a misdemeanor. They also propose introducing robots to fight roosters, providing the roosters are not harmed.
Taking Stock of Cockfighting
Cockfighting boils down to two roosters in combat, often fighting to the death for spectators’ amusement. Those spectating also place bets on the results of these fights. Roosters are specifically bred and trained for these violent encounters.
Despite its age-old roots, many consider the activity both brutal and old-fashioned. The opposing side feel diminishing the penalties communicates a confusing message about animal cruelty.
Previous Attempts and Resistance
Rep. Humphrey is no stranger to raising the issue. He proposed a similar bill in 2024 to empower voters to lessen the cockfighting offenses to misdemeanors. Though it was passed by the House, it was not brought before the Senate.
Anticipating significant resistance, Rep. Humphrey admits the journey for the new bills will be testing. The idea of including robots in cockfighting is merely to ignite conversation, he explains, rather than a legitimate hope for approval.
Revamped Cockfighting Bills and Challenges
Sen. Tom Woods has also presented a cockfighting bill, Senate Bill 1111. This bill, like Rep. Humphrey’s, advocates reducing the penalty to a misdemeanor. However, it adds the stipulation of redefining participation in cockfighting.
The proposed first conviction penalty is a $500 fine whereas a second conviction could lead to a year in county jail, a $2,500 fine, or both. A third offense would escalate to a felony with a potential two-year sentence, a $5,000 fine, or both.
Advocates of reducing penalties argue that law enforcement is currently burdened by pursuing these cases due to the severity of associated punishments. Brendan Hoover, part of an animal advocacy group, disagrees, stating that less severe penalties underplay the crime’s seriousness.
Potential Health Hazard
Kevin Chambers, involved in animal welfare in Oklahoma, has concerns beyond the cruelty. There is a risk of cockfights spreading avian diseases, such as bird flu. He fears reducing cockfighting penalties would embarrass the state and regress progress on enforcing animal rights.
Perceptions of Cockfighting
A 2023 poll indicated that over 70% of Oklahomans continue to view cockfighting as a felony. Organizations like the National Sheriffs Association have also encouraged law enforcement to crack down on animal fighting, including cockfighting.
This emphasis on severity comes from the long-standing associations with other criminal activity such as drug trafficking and illegal firearms. Rep. Humphrey makes it clear that, as a law enforcement officer, he would prioritize tackling crimes like drug dealing over cockfighting.