Oklahoma Senate rejects bill to lower penalty for cockfighting

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill to ask voters to lower the penalties on cockfighting has failed to get enough votes in the Senate.<br><br>In a 23-to-24 vote the Senate rejected the bill filed by Senator Frank

Thursday, April 17th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A bill to ask voters to lower the penalties on cockfighting has failed to get enough votes in the Senate.

In a 23-to-24 vote the Senate rejected the bill filed by Senator Frank Shurden.

His bill would have asked voters to change cockfighting from a felony to a misdemeanor.

The felony charge carries a ten year prison term and fines up to $25,000.

Shurden argued that violators of the cockfighting ban, which voters approved in November, would be sent to prison for a minor crime.

Senator Mike Fair argued that Shurden's bill would be overturning the will of the people who voted to ban the bloodsport.

Shurden has asked that the bill be reconsidered next week.