SB175 Summary

• Makes cockfighting a Class A misdemeanor on first conviction and Class C felony on second or subsequent conviction for training cocks, causing fights, operating facilities, wagering, and related activities; increases penalties from $20-$50 fine under existing law.

• Makes knowingly attending cockfights or aiding others in cockfighting a Class A misdemeanor; makes permitting or causing minors to participate a Class C felony on first conviction and Class B felony on subsequent convictions.

• Imposes additional fines of $10,000 for Class A misdemeanor and $20,000 for Class C felony convictions, with collected fines distributed 25% each to investigating agency, prosecuting agency, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, and State General Fund.

• Requires confiscation of fighting cocks and allows veterinarians to destroy cocks that are injured, diseased, or vicious; establishes court condemnation proceedings within 30 days of seizure with burden on state to prove by preponderance of evidence that cock was used in violation.

• Requires persons who regularly keep cocks to register locations with Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries for disease control purposes; bill becomes effective three months after passage.