New Mexico Cockfighting Ban Advances.

Wednesday, February 7, 2007
The Times-Picayune/Associated Press
Tim Korte

The bill now goes to the House, where it is considered to have an even better chance. Penalties were weakened prior to the bill's passage. Organizing or participating in a cockfight would be illegal, with a third offense required before it would be a felony which then would be punishable by up to 18 months in prison. Observing a cockfight would not be illegal. Governor Bill Richardson's, a presidential candidate, now supports a ban as do the state's three Roman Catholic bishops. It faces opposition by some rural residents who are anxious that rodeos and such practices as calf roping, branding and castration could be targeted next. "You're just going to drive it underground," said N.M. Sen. Phil Griego, "You're going to criminalize 300 years of tradition." At least 13 counties and 29 municipalities in New Mexico already prohibit cockfighting, and Louisiana is the only other state where it is legal. It also continues to be popular in Puerto Rico, where it has been legal since 1933.