99,039 signatures tabulated, certified

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Secretary of State Mike Hunter announced Monday that his office had counted and certified 99,309 signatures<br>in support of an initiative petition to outlaw cockfighting in Oklahoma.<br><br>Supporters

Monday, January 10th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Secretary of State Mike Hunter announced Monday that his office had counted and certified 99,309 signatures
in support of an initiative petition to outlaw cockfighting in Oklahoma.

Supporters of the proposed ban are seeking to have the issue placed on the November general election ballot.

Hunter submitted a letter to Hardy Summers, chief justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court declaring completion of the certification
process.

Supporters of the anti-cockfighting law need 67,889 valid signatures to require a statewide vote on the volatile issue.

Officials of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Breeders Association have vowed to mount a legal challenge the petition.

Janet Halliburton, calling cockfighting "pointless and sadistic cruelty to animals," took part in the filing of the petitions last
month.

Oklahoma is one of three states in the nation where cockfighting is legal. The others are New Mexico and Louisiana.

She said the petition drive's success indicates most Oklahomans oppose cockfighting.