GA lacks state law banning this bloodsport. Middle Georgia lawmaker wants to change that
Georgia is looking to make cockfighting a state felony with legislation from a Middle Georgia lawmaker.
Senate Bill 102 seeks to amend current state laws around animal fights to include cockfights — which is when roosters, sometimes known as gamecocks, are forced to fight in a small ring, often with metal objects attached to their legs. The sport is bloody, drawing crowds of spectators and thousands of dollars exchanging hands as people bet on fights’ outcomes.
Georgia currently has no specific laws about cockfighting, and as such it has become a destination for people wanting to watch and bet on the gruesome fights, according to investigators who spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The bill’s sponsors, state Sens. Rick Williams of Milledgeville and Randy Robertson of Cataula, want the law on the books because they say the fights are cruel and attract criminals.
Cockfights are closely connected to other crimes such as gambling, drugs and acts of violence. Illegal weapons are also frequently brought to cockfights due to the large amount of cash present, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — a nonprofit organization that advocates for animal welfare. Law enforcement raids have uncovered gang members in attendance.
While the state legislature has made attempts in the past to criminalize cockfighting in Georgia, the efforts came up short. SB 102, the current bill, passed in the state Senate by a vote of 49-3. It is now being reviewed by the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.
Federal law on cockfighting
If passed, the bill would also bring Georgia law into alignment with federal law. It’s currently a federal felony to buy, sell, train or transport an animal for participation in animal fighting.
The bill’s current version would outlaw owning, training, transporting or selling roosters for fighting, as well as buying or selling tickets to or promoting fights.
First-time violators would be charged with a felony and face a fine of at least $5,000 along with five years in prison, according to SB 102’s current version. Subsequent violators will face one to 10 years in prison and a fine of at least $15,000. The bill would also allow a court to prohibit the offender from owning a rooster.