Cockfighting, chicken-farming bills pass Senate

Here’s a news item from the Associated Press:

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Senate has voted to make running a cockfighting operation a felony. After passing 34-1 Monday, the bill, SB 1317, goes to the House. If it becomes law, those found guilty face five years in prison and $50,000 in fines. Idaho made dogfighting a felony in 2008, but is among 11 states where cockfighting remains a misdemeanor. Sen. Tim Corder’s bill also doubles fines for misdemeanor animal cruelty and torture, while freeing up the Department of Agriculture from investigating animal neglect not involving production livestock.

Senators also voted 24-11 to create a 10-member livestock care standards advisory board of industry representatives, animal-welfare advocates and lawmakers to define rules of care for livestock and poultry. Corder said defining acceptable industry practices must be done now on fear Idaho will be targeted by “radical animal-rights groups” with the expected arrival of big chicken farms. Among the opponents of the bill, SB 1331, was Sen. Nicole LeFavour, D-Boise, who told the Senate, “I represent a district with far more vegetarians than chickens.” The bill now moves to the House.