Congress Takes Aim at Cockfighting

Congress has taken another step toward strengthening penalties and cracking down on illegal cockfights and the shipment of fighting birds.<br><br>Legislation headed toward a joint conference committee

Saturday, November 1st 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Congress has taken another step toward strengthening penalties and cracking down on illegal cockfights and the shipment of fighting birds.

Legislation headed toward a joint conference committee would make it a felony to ship animals across state lines for the purpose of fighting. It would also ban the transportation of razors and other implements linked to animal fights.

Supporters of cockfighting say the federal legislation, specifically its ban on foreign shipments, will block breeders from making a living.

In Oklahoma, voters approved a law last year making cockfighting illegal and subject to felony charges. Afterward, cockfighting supporters went to court to block its enforcement.