Obenshain & Hanger on cockfighting bills
Brent Finnegan -- January 16th, 2008
In the wake of last year’s Michael Vick trial, and mounting criticism of Virginia’s cockfighting laws, several new bills in the House and Senate — some of which are backed by Attorney General Bob McDonnell — are expected to have more support this year than last.
But Senators Mark Obenshain and Emmet Hanger aren’t sold on tougher laws. Both senators are quoted in a story in today’s Roanoke Times:
Two Shenandoah Valley senators are wary of the Griffith-Norment legislation. Sens. Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta County, and Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, said they’re not sure that cockfighting should rank as a felony.
Obenshain said that spousal abuse still ranks as a misdemeanor.
“That’s worse than what we’re talking about,” Obenshain said. Animal fighting is “a practice that has no redeeming value that I know of, but it just to me is a question of what are we going to make into felonies.”
Hanger had similar concerns. He’s also worried about the potential cost of the incarceration associated with increasing penalties.
Too, he said he’s worried that reaction to the Vick publicity may result in a rash decision by the General Assembly.
“Generally those types of things that are reactions don’t always make good legislation,” Hanger said.
Last year, Obenshain and Hanger were listed on Raising Kaine as members of “the cockfighting five.”
The senators’ point on degree of punishment is well-taken. How about the following as an alternative: attendees of a cockfighting event can be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor punishable by up to $250; persons participating by fighting cocks can be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2500 fine; persons organizing and profiting from a cockfighting event can be charged with a Class 6 felony punishable by up to 5 years incarceration. It would seem to me that this ends as a major problem if you focus on and shut down the organizers while also subjecting participants to societal disapproval in less harsh manner.
Interesting idea. One of them should submit an alternate bill.
Chicken Abuser Fees?
I have a solution. Why don’t everyone just mind their own business. You guys think that passing these stupid laws concerning animals will make Virginia born country folk stop fighting cocks. This sport came over on the boat with our forefathers. Even Presidents engaged in the sport and tradition. Instead of letting special interest groups dictate how we should live our lives why not let us live our own lives. We are not bothering you why bother us. How bout taking care of the Drug, Gang, illegal immigrants, and crimes against humans first. Once you have made a dent in that then you can talk. You support Gays, and that carries Aids that innocent people are infected with every day. I think your all twisted.
Um… What?