MS SB2874

Amends Mississippi Code Section 97-41-11 to create specific criminal prohibitions against cockfighting, replacing the previous general animal fighting statute.

Makes it unlawful to organize or conduct any commercial or private cockfight involving domestic or feral chickens intended or likely to result in injury, death, or mutilation.

Prohibits possessing, training, purchasing, or selling chickens with intent for use in unlawful cockfights.

First offense penalties: fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 6 months, or both; second or subsequent offense penalties: fine of $1,000-$5,000, imprisonment of 1-3 years in Department of Corrections, or both.

Makes it unlawful to attend cockfights, wager on cockfights, or pay admission to view cockfights, with penalties of up to $1,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.