SB299 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Cockfighting, penalties increased, presence at cockfights, penalties, confiscation procedures, terms defined, reporting procedures, Secs. 13A-12-4.1, 13A-12-4.2 added; Sec. 13A-12-4 am'd.

Summary

This bill tightens cockfighting laws in Alabama by raising penalties, requiring cock location registration, and creating clearer confiscation and destruction procedures for fighting roosters and related profits.

What This Bill Does

First convictions for a range of cockfighting-related acts would be Class A misdemeanors, with second or subsequent convictions classified as Class C felonies. It also makes being knowingly present as a spectator at cockfighting preparations or exhibitions a Class A misdemeanor. The bill requires people who regularly keep cocks to register the location of their cocks with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries for disease control. It adds confiscation and forfeiture provisions for fighting cocks, related profits and property, and sets out procedures for seizure reporting and the destruction of fighting animals.

Who It Affects

• People directly involved in cockfighting activities (owners, trainers, operators, financiers, advertisers, promoters, and ticket sellers) and spectators at cockfights or related preparations, who would face higher penalties and potential confiscation.
• People who regularly keep cocks (cock owners/keepers) and public agencies (Department of Agriculture and Industries, law enforcement, state veterinarian, and district attorneys) who would handle registration, disease-control efforts, seizures, forfeitures, and destruction of fighting animals.

Key Provisions

• Penalty structure: On first conviction for specified cockfighting acts, a Class A misdemeanor; on second or subsequent conviction, a Class C felony; and a Class A misdemeanor for knowingly being present at cockfight preparations or exhibitions as a spectator.
• Registration and confiscation: Requires regular cock keepers to register cock locations with the Department of Agriculture and Industries; establishes confiscation and forfeiture of profits and property linked to cockfighting; provides procedures for seizure reporting, condemnation hearings, and destruction of fighting cocks.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses