Arrests point out problems with cockfighting law, critics say

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Two lawmakers and civil rights leaders say the cockfight arrests of a three members of a Mexican American family was "tragic."<br><br>Senator Frank Shurden says the case points out

Friday, April 9th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Two lawmakers and civil rights leaders say the cockfight arrests of a three members of a Mexican American family was "tragic."

Senator Frank Shurden says the case points out problems with the state cockfighting law.

Shurden is sponsoring a bill to lower some penalties in the law from a felony to a misdemeanor

Thirty-year-old Juan Zarate, 27-year-old Mary Zarate and 38-year-old Fernando Zarate were each charged with one felony count last week after more than 70 roosters, knifes, gaffs, cages and other equipment, were found on their property.

Ed Romo with the League of United Latin American Citizens says the charges should be dropped and the family issued an apology. Romo says there was selective enforcement of the ban.

The counts represent the first cockfighting charges filed in Oklahoma County under the new ban.

Animal welfare officers found the chickens after they tracked down a runaway dog on January 29th.