Make Cockfighting a Felony in Utah!
Utah is one of only 10 states where cockfighting is a misdemeanor. In all other states, the gruesome blood sport is considered a felony.
Cockfighting exists merely for entertainment purposes and has no legitimate value. "Trainers" attach metal spurs and knives to the roosters' legs and the birds fight to the death, ripping each other apart. The ordeal is agonizing for all birds involved, and encourages illegal gambling as spectators bet on the winning rooster. No healthy human being would find these fights amusing, and there is no justification for their existence.
A new bill, SB 112, would make cockfighting in Utah a felony on the second offense. The bill passed in the Utah Senate and is now in the hands of the House, who rejected similar legislation last year. Please sign the petition to convince Utah's House of Representatives to pass the bill and make cockfighting a felony in Utah!
As you know, Utah is one of only 10 states where cockfighting is a misdemeanor. In all other states, the blood sport is considered a felony.
Cockfighting exists merely for entertainment purposes and has no legitimate value. "Trainers" attach metal spurs and knives to the roosters' legs and the birds fight to the death, ripping each other apart. The ordeal is agonizing for all birds involved, and encourages illegal gambling as spectators bet on the winning rooster. No healthy human being would find these fights amusing, and there is no justification for their existence.
We support the new bill, SB 112, which would make cockfighting in Utah a felony on the second offense. We understand that you rejected similar legislation last year, but we encourage you to reconsider your stance to cut down on animal cruelty and illegal gambling in Utah. We respectfully urge you to pass SB 112. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
