Oklahoma Prosecutors Say No Loophole In Cockfighting Laws

Oklahoma prosecutors want people to know there are no loopholes in the law that makes cockfighting illegal.<br/> <br/>More than 75 people were arrested last year after federal and state agents busted a

Monday, January 29th 2007, 8:40 pm

By: News On 6

Oklahoma prosecutors want people to know there are no loopholes in the law that makes cockfighting illegal.

More than 75 people were arrested last year after federal and state agents busted a cockfighting operation on Indian land in southwest Oklahoma. The last of those suspects are being convicted, and News on 6 reporter Jennifer Loren says prosecutors want people to know that cockfighting is illegal everywhere in the state.

Cockfighting became a felony crime in Oklahoma in 2002. For the most part the industry immediately shut down within the state, but since then, the problem has re-appeared on Indian land.

"It is a gambling addiction and it is barbaric and inhumane," cockfighting opponent Steve Eberle said.

Eberle fought for the ban on cockfighting and he still keeps up with the problem. He says many people involved in cockfighting have serious addictions and will go to great lengths to keep doing it.

"They're so blinded by their addiction that they will think that there's loopholes that don't exist,â€ said Eberle. â€œThe Indian tribe thing comes up constantly."

But state prosecutors want people to know there are no loopholes. Tribal lands offer no safe haven for animal fighting anywhere in Oklahoma.

"And it remains illegal in the state of Oklahoma on Indian land or otherwise,â€ Eberle said. â€œThere is no caveat for where you can animal fight at all in Oklahoma."

Furthermore, the tribes themselves are against cockfighting and have assisted with busts. While the tribes do allow some gambling, they've made it clear this kind is not welcome.

"Cockfighting is not accredited by the tribes, nor encouraged by the tribes,â€ said Eberle. â€œThe tribes, from my understanding, do not want this as their legacy."

Most of the 75 people arrested in last yearâ€™s bust were not Native American.

A United States Attorney says anyone caught operating, participating in or attending cockfights on Indian land will be aggressively prosecuted.