Cockfighting would be a felony under new House bill

The illicit sport of cockfighting–pitting two roosters against each other, often with augmented talons–would be made a felony under a new bill that passed through the house with overwhelming support.

Cockfighting is currently a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by a maximum $250 fine and 30 days in jail, but the new bill would allow up to a $10,000 fine and a felony added to the offender’s record.

The measure would allow a person to be charged if he is found to be employed in cockfighting, betting on results, paying for admission to an event, possessing devices used to enhance an animal’s fighting ability or allowing a minor to be present at the event.

Because 40 states already consider cockfighting a felony, proponents of the bill say that Ohio’s relatively lenient penalties make the buckeye state a refuge for the sport.

Opponents to the bill acknowledged the evils of animal cruelty, but said that the penalties are too harsh and that prosecuting felonies are much more expensive and complex than misdemeanors.

The bill passed 85-7 and now goes to the Senate.

 

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