Utah Senate Oks bill making cockfighting a felony

By The AP
Tuesday, March 5, 2013

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Senate has advanced a bill that would make cockfighting a felony.

Sen. Gene Davis sponsored the bill, which would make owning or training game fowl for cockfighting a third-felony. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

The Salt Lake City Democrat says cockfighting is a felony in neighboring states and Utah’s lesser penalties attract those participating in the blood sport to the state.

The bill would also make it a misdemeanor to be a spectator at a cockfight.

The Senate voted 19-9 to approve the bill. It now moves to the House for consideration.