Finding expected Friday on petition signatures challenge

(Muskogee-AP) -- Findings of fact on the validity of signatures on an anti-cockfighting petition are expected to be filed Friday.

Oklahoma Supreme Court referee Gregory Albert says he fully expects an appeal, no matter what the decision is.

The Oklahoma Game Fowl Breeders Association is challenging the validity of signatures collected on the petitions by the Oklahoma Coalition Against Cockfighting.

The association contends that out-of-state circulators illegally collected signatures on the petitions.

Cockfighting supporter Cheryl Maize of Fort Gibson says if they lose this case, anyone, anywhere can make laws in Oklahoma.

Legal challenges to the petitions ended efforts to have an election on cockfighting this year.