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HB 1611

TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ANIMAL FIGHTING WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL ANIMAL FIGHTING; AND TO CREATE THE OFFENSE OF UNLAWFUL ROOSTER FIGHTING.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Crowell and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1611 aimed to criminalize unlawful rooster fighting in Arkansas, establishing penalties for organizers and participants, but it died in the Senate without further action.

Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HB 1611

Summary of House Bill 1611

Bill Number: HB 1611
Title: To Amend the Definition of Animal Fighting with Respect to the Offense of Unlawful Animal Fighting; and to Create the Offense of Unlawful Rooster Fighting.
Status: Died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Sponsored by: Representative Gonzales

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1611 aimed to amend existing laws regarding animal fighting in Arkansas by specifically addressing unlawful rooster fighting. The bill sought to clarify the definition of animal fighting and establish new legal penalties for individuals involved in rooster fighting activities.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendment to Definition of Animal Fighting:

    • The bill proposed to modify Arkansas Code § 5-62-120 to include organized fighting between roosters as a form of animal fighting.
    • It clarified that lawful game fowl breeding and exhibition activities are not included in this definition, provided they comply with USDA regulations.

  2. Creation of Unlawful Rooster Fighting Offense:

    • A new section, A.C.A. § 5-62-128, was introduced to define unlawful rooster fighting:
      • 1st Degree Offense: Organizing, promoting, or profiting from rooster fighting, or charging admission to such events, classified as a Class D felony.
      • 2nd Degree Offense: Paying to attend or participating in rooster fights, classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
    • Specific provisions were included to protect individuals who are merely present at a rooster fight from being charged unless they actively participated or paid to attend.

  3. Seizure and Treatment of Roosters:

    • Law enforcement could not seize roosters based solely on an arrest for violating this section unless there was clear evidence of the rooster's involvement in fighting.
    • If a person was not convicted, any seized rooster must be returned immediately to its owner, and euthanasia of the rooster was prohibited unless deemed necessary by a licensed veterinarian.

Impact

  • The impact assessment indicated that the bill would likely have a minimal effect on correctional resources, as there were currently no offenders serving sentences for similar conduct under existing laws.
  • The Administrative Office of the Courts reported zero convictions for unlawful animal fighting over a three-year period, suggesting that the enforcement of such laws has been limited.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 10, 2025: Amendments adopted and bill engrossed.
  • March 19, 2025: Further amendments adopted; bill reported correctly engrossed.
  • April 1, 2025: Received by the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • May 5, 2025: Bill died in Senate Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

Conclusion

House Bill 1611 was an attempt to strengthen the legal framework surrounding animal fighting in Arkansas by specifically addressing unlawful rooster fighting. Despite its introduction and passage through the House, the bill ultimately did not progress in the Senate, reflecting ongoing challenges in legislating animal welfare issues.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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