HB 176 Summary

• Increases penalties for cockfighting from $20-$50 fine to Class A misdemeanor on first conviction and Class C felony on second or subsequent conviction for training cocks, causing fights, operating facilities, possessing fighting devices, wagering, or paying admission.

• Makes it a Class C felony on first conviction and Class B felony on second conviction to permit or cause a minor to attend cockfights or participate in cockfighting activities.

• Establishes Class A misdemeanor for knowingly being present as a spectator at cockfight preparations or exhibitions with intent to attend, or knowingly aiding and abetting cockfighting.

• Requires persons who regularly keep cocks to register their location with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries for disease control purposes.

• Provides for confiscation of fighting cocks, establishes condemnation procedures, imposes fines of $10,000 for Class A misdemeanor and $20,000 for Class C felony (distributed 25% each to investigating agency, prosecuting agency, Department of Agriculture, and State General Fund), and authorizes forfeiture of cockfighting profits and related property.