Updated Alert! Lax laws a concern after Texas cockfight bust-Contact TX Rep

March 17, 2008

Some had trouble with WFAA link I earlier posted, so I am reposting with the text of the story (below). Channel 8 WFAA news reported that the largest bust of a cock fight in Texas history took place in Navarro County over the weekend. Hundreds were arrested and the owner of the property was charged with felony animal cruelty. Unfortunately, most of the participants arrested were charged only with gambling and were released. Illegal drugs and weapons were also found on the premises.See the story by going to the website noted below. The report mentioned the concern that as Texas Animal Cruelty laws are so lax in comparison to surrounding states, Texas may become a mecca for such miscreants. This is an idea opportunity to contact your State of Texas representatives and politely urge them to pass stronger animal cruelty laws that relate to cock fighting. To Contact Your State of Texas Representative, go to: http://www.house.state.tx.us/resources/faq.htm#who_repMargaret Morin Vegetarian Network of Dallas www.VegNod.com ***************************************** WFAA STORY & LINKS Follow: http://www.wfaa.com/video/wfaageneral-index.html?nvid=227527 or http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa080316_mo_cockfighting.600d4dfc.html Alleged lax laws incite concern after cockfighting bust 11:15 PM CDT on Sunday, March 16, 2008 By JONATHAN BETZ /

WFAA-TV WFAA-TV More than 300 fighting roosters were rescued from the site of the cockfighting arena on Saturday. Video Jonathan Betz reports March 16, 2008 New concerns over a Texas law have arisen after hundreds of people were arrested for creating a cockfighting ring. While more than 300 roosters were rescued during the bust that occurred over the weekend, some say the state's animal cruelty laws are not strict enough. In Texas, cockfighting is a felony. Convictions can bring 180 days to two years behind bars and fines of up to $10,000. However, possession of fighting birds, watching a cockfight and possessing the tools needed for one are all legal. Deputies said they spent hours

shutting down the ring 50 miles south of Dallas. "This is a very large and sophisticated operation," said Chief Deputy Mike Cox, Navarro County. Deputies arrested nearly 200 people, seized $170,000 in cash and collected more than 300 roosters. It was the Texas SPCA's largest seizure of birds. "It makes me sad people would do this, just sad," said Kaycie Heard, a SPCA staffer. The sport, which has been banned in Texas for decades, shoots up roosters with drugs, fits them with razors and pits them to the death. But Texas activists have expressed concern since three bordering states have banned the blood-sport over the last six years.. Their concern is that the bans will force enthusiasts back to the Texas area. "The noose is tightening around cock-fighters' necks," said James Bias, SPCA. Animal activists

complain the states' cockfighting laws aren't as strict as those for dog-fighting. While hundreds were arrested in the recent bust, most pled guilty to gambling and were fined and released. The ranch's owner is one of the few in jail on animal cruelty charges. Meanwhile, the fight against the cruel game continues. "It's hard to get into the operation without knowing somebody," said Sheriff Les Cotten, Navarro County. "We're going to shut them down if we have to do this every weekend." E-mail jbetz

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