State Senate passes cockfighting measure

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Legislation that would make cockfighting a misdemeanor was passed by the state Senate Tuesday. <br><br>The Senate voted 29-to-17 for the measure. It now goes to the state House, which

Tuesday, March 11th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Legislation that would make cockfighting a misdemeanor was passed by the state Senate Tuesday.

The Senate voted 29-to-17 for the measure. It now goes to the state House, which last month passed a measure that would ask voters whether they want to reduce the penalty for cockfighting.

Last November, voters approved a statewide referendum that banned cockfighting in Oklahoma and made violations felonies. The proposal got 56% of the vote.

The author of the Senate measure, Frank Shurden of Henryetta, says he thinks the penalties for cockfighting are too severe.

Opponents of the measure say the change would punish cockfighters with the equivalent of an expensive parking ticket. They say it would render the cockfighting ban unenforceable.