Panel kills bill to reduce Oklahoma penalties for cockfighting

OKLAHOMA CITY – A Senate panel on Tuesday killed a bill that sought to reduce the penalty and fine for those convicted of cockfighting on a first offense.

Senate Bill 1111 would have reduced the penalty for hosting or participating in cockfighting from a felony to a misdemeanor and removed the term of imprisonment.

It also would have reduced the fine to $500 from up to $25,000 for first-time offenders.

The Senate Public Safety Committee voted 3-4 against the measure by Sen. Tom Woods, R-Westville.

In 2002, voters approved State Question 687 by slightly more than 56% of the vote to make cockfighting a felony offense.

Sen. Michael Brooks, D-Oklahoma City, suggested it might be more appropriate to send the proposed change to a vote of the people.

The state question also made it a felony to own, possess, keep or train birds for cockfighting.

Woods’ bill would have narrowed the language in the law to criminalize only active participation.

“Felony convictions can permanently hinder a person’s ability to find employment, contribute to society and join the military,” Woods said. “By making a first offense a misdemeanor, Senate Bill 1111 allows individuals a chance to move forward without the burden of a life-long felony record.”

He said it would reduce the burden on courts and prisons.

“Repeat offenders face escalating consequences, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment,” Woods said.

First-time offenders deserve a second chance, Woods said.

Senate Public Safety Committee Chairman Darrell Weaver, R-Moore, said a person could have an eight-ball of methamphetamine and not go to prison yet owning one of the birds that later is used in cockfighting outside of the United States carries prison time.

Weaver voted against the measure, saying it went too far.

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