HB 260 Summary

• Enacts new section 959.151 requiring peace officers to confiscate equipment and devices used in training roosters for cockfighting or as part of cockfighting activities.

• Expands the definition of "fighting animal" in section 959.161 to include roosters used in cockfighting, in addition to dogs used in dogfighting, and applies seizure and impoundment procedures to both types of animals.

• Establishes cockfighting as a felony of the fifth degree on first offense and felony of the third degree on subsequent offenses under section 959.15 of the Revised Code.

• Directs proceeds from forfeiture and sale of cockfighting-related equipment, devices, or confiscated cash to first pay impounding animal shelter costs, with remaining proceeds transferred to local 4-H youth development programs for educational purposes.

• Amends section 959.99 to create separate penalty provisions for cockfighting violations distinct from other animal cruelty offenses.