Bill passes Ohio House making cockfighting a felony offense

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Legislation has passed through the Ohio House of Representatives that would make a deeper involvement in illegal cockfighting a felony offense.

The bill stipulates that anyone found to be employed by a cockfighting ring, betting on results, paying for admission to an event, possessing devices related to enhancing an animal’s fighting ability or allowing a minor to be present will be charged with a felony, The Columbus Dispatch reported.

Engaging in cockfighting or any other instances of having animals fight will remain a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 30 days in jail.

The felony charge comes when an individual has a greater involvement in the offense.

“We’re saying something to the entire nation that Ohio will not stand for this,” said Rep. Heather Bishoff, a Blacklick Democrat and a prime sponsor of the bill.