What is the legal status of cockfighting in Arizona, United States?
In Arizona, United States, cockfighting is illegal. The practice was banned in the state in 1998 after a successful ballot initiative called Proposition 201. This law made it a crime to engage in cockfighting, own or train birds for cockfighting, or to be present at a cockfighting event.
Brief overview of cockfighting in Arizona, United States: What are the key points?
Despite being illegal in Arizona, cockfighting continues to occur in some areas of the state. Key points to consider include:
- Most cockfighting events take place in rural areas and on private properties, making it difficult for law enforcement to detect and shut down these events.
- Participants in cockfighting often engage in other illegal activities, such as gambling, drug use, and illegal weapons possession.
- Arizona’s proximity to Mexico, where cockfighting is legal in some areas, contributes to the persistence of this activity in the state.
- Law enforcement agencies in Arizona have partnered with animal welfare organizations, such as the Humane Society of the United States, to combat cockfighting through education, public awareness campaigns, and undercover investigations.
What is cockfighting known as locally in Arizona, United States?
In Arizona, United States, cockfighting is often referred to as gallera or pelea de gallos, which are Spanish terms for cockfighting arena and cockfight respectively. This reflects the influence of Mexican culture on this illegal activity in the state.
Laws, penalties, and law enforcement in Arizona: How are they handling cockfighting?
Arizona has several laws in place to combat cockfighting, including:
- Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §13-2910.03: This law makes it a Class 5 felony to knowingly own, possess, keep, or train birds for cockfighting or to be present at a cockfighting event.
- ARS §13-2910.04: This law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess, manufacture, or sell cockfighting paraphernalia.
- ARS §13-2910.05: This law makes it a Class 6 felony to knowingly attend a cockfight involving a minor or to involve a minor in a cockfighting event.
Law enforcement agencies in Arizona take the issue of cockfighting seriously and work to combat the activity through various means, such as:
- Conducting undercover investigations and raids on suspected cockfighting operations.
- Partnering with animal welfare organizations to raise public awareness about the cruelty of cockfighting and the penalties associated with the activity.
- Offering rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in cockfighting.
Government laws and resources in Arizona: What actions are being taken against cockfighting?
The Arizona government has taken several actions to combat cockfighting, including:
- Allocating resources for law enforcement agencies to investigate and shut down cockfighting operations.
- Working with animal welfare organizations to develop public awareness campaigns and educational materials on the cruelty of cockfighting and the penalties associated with the activity.
- Supporting legislation to strengthen penalties for those involved in cockfighting and to provide additional resources for law enforcement efforts.
Individuals who suspect cockfighting activity in their community are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-800-352-0700. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for a reward.