Cockfighting proponents, opponents spar over citations

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Cockfighters say fines levied against then for trapping protected birds is another attempt to end the bloodsport.<br><br>The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued $500 fines this week

Thursday, November 6th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Cockfighters say fines levied against then for trapping protected birds is another attempt to end the bloodsport.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service issued $500 fines this week to about 30 people for trapping and killing the birds. The gamecock breeders are accused of using steel traps mounted on poles to catch the birds by the talons.

Albert Fair of Cherokee County says state law allows him to protect his flock and that he didn't know it's illegal to trap owls, hawks and eagles.

The Oklahoma Coalition Against Cockfighting says the trappings show gamefowl breeders have no regard for animal life and the law.