Senate Bill 52 cracks down on cockfighting; citizen support needed

SALT LAKE CITY – Senate Bill 52, Game Fowl Fighting Amendments, has passed through the Senate Judiciary/Law/Criminal Justice Committee and will likely be discussed on the Utah Senate floor before the end of the week.

The Humane Society of Utah is encouraging citizens to tell their senators to support SB 52 for the following reasons:

  • Utah is the only state in the western United States where cockfighting is a misdemeanor, not a felony. It could become a magnet for cockfighting, as individuals would receive a lighter penalty.
  • Cockfighting is often associated with other illegal activities, including gambling and drug trafficking.
  • Spectators of cockfighting may bring young children to cockfights, exposing them at an impressionable age to violence and cruelty towards animals.

The bill is at a sensitive stage, the Humane Society’s statement urges, stating that it is extremely important to contact legislators now and let your voice be heard. To take action, go to the Humane Society’s website.

“A critical animal cruelty and torture law was passed just a few years ago in Utah,” the Humane Society’s release stated, and said that it is ever mindful of and grateful for the wisdom Utah legislators have shown in dealing with animal protection issues. The Society also extended gratitude to its members and all animal rights advocates for their assistance and encourages equally passionate support and cooperation in the future.

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Twitter: @STGnews

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