HB 137 -- ANIMAL FIGHTING

CO-SPONSORS:  Robirds, Townley

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Agriculture by a vote of 22 to 0.

This bill repeals statutory language determined to be
unconstitutionally vague by the state Supreme Court and the
language of Proposition A as approved by the voters on November
3, 1998, regarding animal fighting and baiting.

The bill makes it a class D felony for any person to conduct or
operate a cockfighting or bear wrestling event, as specifically
defined by the bill.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this bill clarifies the
confusion arising from certain language in Proposition A, by
removing all language except for the prohibition of cockfighting
and bear wrestling.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Robirds and
Townley; Missouri Federation of Animal Owners; Missouri
Cattlemens Association; Conservation Federation of Missouri; and
Missouri Farm Bureau.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that 65% of Missouri
voters approved Proposition A and the language in the
proposition made it clear as to what activities are and are not
allowed.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Alliance for Animal
Legislation; and Nancy Groves.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst

HB 137 -- Animal Fighting

Co-Sponsors:  Robirds, Townley

This bill repeals statutory language determined to be
unconstitutionally vague by the state Supreme Court and the
language of Proposition A as approved by the voters on November
3, 1998, regarding animal fighting and baiting.

The bill makes it a class D felony for any person to conduct or
operate a cockfighting or bear wrestling event, as specifically
defined by the bill.