The Tennessee Senate has passed a bill that would increase the penalty for those who participate in or watch a cockfight.
Senate Bill 1782, “As introduced, raises from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony certain animal cruelty offenses involving a cock; requires a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500 for the offense of being a spectator at a cock fight.”
Republican Senator Jon Lundberg of Bristol said Tennessee has become a destination for cockfighting and such events often involve other illegal activities.
The House version of the bill is sponsored by Democrat Representative Darren Jernigan of Nashville and is scheduled for discussion in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday, April 2.