Is Cockfighting Legal in Arkansas, United States?
Cockfighting is illegal in Arkansas, United States. In 2009, Arkansas passed Act 33, which made it a crime to engage in, attend, or promote cockfighting. This law was enacted to protect the welfare of animals and to discourage illegal gambling and other criminal activities associated with the sport.
What is the Current State of Cockfighting in Arkansas?
Despite being illegal, cockfighting continues to occur in Arkansas. The practice has moved underground, with organizers and participants using secretive tactics to avoid detection and prosecution. Law enforcement agencies and animal welfare organizations are working to identify and dismantle these illegal operations. However, the clandestine nature of the activity makes it difficult to fully eradicate.
How is Cockfighting Referred to Locally in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, cockfighting is often referred to as a chicken fight or rooster fight. Some participants may use more obscure terminology or code words to avoid detection by law enforcement. These terms can vary depending on the specific community or group involved in the illegal activity.
What are the Penalties and Enforcement Measures for Cockfighting in Arkansas?
Under Arkansas law, individuals who engage in, attend, or promote cockfighting can face a range of penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The specific penalties depend on the severity of the offense and any prior convictions.
- Engaging in cockfighting: A person who engages in cockfighting, owns or trains a bird for cockfighting, or allows a cockfight to occur on their property can be charged with a Class D felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
- Attending a cockfight: A person who attends a cockfight can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
- Promoting a cockfight: A person who promotes, finances, or sponsors a cockfight can be charged with a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Law enforcement agencies in Arkansas work with animal welfare organizations, such as the ASPCA and the Humane Society, to investigate and prosecute cockfighting cases. They also rely on tips from the public to identify and dismantle illegal cockfighting operations.
How do Government Laws and Links Address Cockfighting in Arkansas?
Arkansas’s state government has made efforts to address the issue of cockfighting by enacting laws that specifically target the practice. In addition to Act 33, which criminalizes cockfighting, the state has also passed legislation to regulate the possession and transportation of gamefowl, a common breed used in cockfighting.
Some key government resources and links related to cockfighting in Arkansas include:
- Arkansas Code Title 5. Criminal Offenses § 5-62-123 to 5-62-127 – This link provides the full text of Arkansas’s laws on cockfighting, including definitions, penalties, and enforcement provisions.
- Arkansas State Plant Board – Livestock & Poultry Division – This division of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is responsible for enforcing the state’s laws on the possession and transportation of gamefowl.
- Act 33 of 2009 – This link provides the full text of the legislation that made cockfighting illegal in Arkansas.
By understanding and enforcing the laws related to cockfighting, Arkansas is working to protect the welfare of animals and to discourage illegal gambling and other criminal activities associated with the sport.