Proposed Kentucky senate bill would make cockfighting a felony

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A push in Frankfort would increase the punishment for cockfighting.

Kentucky Senate Bill 243, introduced by Sen. Greg Elkins, R-District 28, would make cockfighting a felony instead of a misdemeanor crime. Kentucky is one of seven states where cockfighting is still a misdemeanor.

Under KRS 525.125, dogfighting is a felony, and the proposed SB 243 would add to it, making cockfighting a felony.

In cockfighting, gamecocks are put in a ring with sharp instruments attached to their legs, and the fight goes until one or both birds are dead.

Animal rights groups claim cockfighting encourages other illegal activities.

"There are drug sales, there are vast amounts of gambling," Michael Kobliska, of Showing Animals Respect and Kindness, said. "These are large arenas that are set up, and they've been there for years and they continue."

Dogfighting is already a felony in Kentucky.