House panel passes Peterson's cockfighting legislation

Thursday, April 13th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- A House subcommittee unanimously passed legislation today that would ban the interstate transport of bird sfor cockfighting. That paves the way for a vote by the full committee.

The legislation brings supporters one step closer to closing a loophole in federal law.

The bill would ban the shipment of birds from one of the 47 states where cockfighting is illegal to one of the three where it is still legal -- New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

Representative Collin Peterson says state law enforcement officials have complained that the loophole makes it difficult to enforce their own states' cockfighting bans.

Opponents had worked to try to block a hearing, acknowledging that it's difficult for members to oppose the bill publicly.
--------
On the Net:
Cockfighting information: http://www.paulniteowl.com/birds/
Humane Society position:http://www.hsus.org/whatnew/cockfight022500.html