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Senate approves felony penalty for cockfighting after amendment to reduce charge fails
Summary
After floor debate and a failed amendment to lower penalties, the Utah Senate voted 19–9 to upgrade cockfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony. Supporters said a felony is needed to prevent the state from becoming a hub for the practice; opponents argued the penalty is too severe.
Senator Davis, sponsor of first substitute Senate Bill 52, told the Senate the measure is intended to make cockfighting a felony in Utah and described graphic evidence of animal cruelty to justify the change. “Utah is just, is one of just 10 states in the nation lacking felony penalties for cockfighting,” Davis said, arguing that stronger penalties would deter gambling and related illegal activity.
Senator Christiansen offered a floor amendment to replace the bill’s language…
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