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.
If enacted, HB 1611 will amend existing laws to include the definition of unlawful rooster fighting and create specific penalties for those engaging in such activities. This new regulatory framework is expected to improve the overall health and welfare of game fowl, while simultaneously protecting Arkansas's vital poultry industry from the spread of diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease. The registration of game fowl farms will help in enforcing compliance, and registered farms will receive support in terms of disease tracking and recognition, as they will not be unfairly targeted based on registration status.
House Bill 1611, titled the Game Fowl Farm Registration and Preservation Act, seeks to establish a formal registration system for game fowl farms in Arkansas, addressing concerns surrounding unlawful rooster fighting. The bill aims to create a clearer distinction between legitimate game fowl breeders and illegal rooster fighting operations, which have been damaging to the reputation of law-abiding breeders and pose biosecurity risks to the poultry industry. By implementing mandatory disease testing every two years, the legislation intends to enhance public health measures while supporting responsible breeding practices within the state.
The bill's proponents argue that the establishment of a registration system is essential for tackling illegal breeding and fighting activities that threaten public health and safety. However, there could be contention related to how the registration process is perceived by small-scale farmers and the potential financial implications of mandatory testing. Critics may raise concerns about the enforcement of the bill and the potential for civil penalties to disproportionately affect smaller operations. Furthermore, the specific penalties for unlawful rooster fighting, classified as either a Class D felony or a Class A misdemeanor depending on the severity, may trigger debates regarding the criminalization of animal-related offenses.