AUSTIN, TEXAS (AP) -- Texas House members are hearing from all sides in a debate over toughening the state law against cockfighting.
The measure by Rep. Wayne Christian, a Republican from Center, went before a House subcommittee Tuesday. Animal protection groups and law officers said rooster fighting involves gambling and drugs and is prevalent in secret places in big cities and small towns throughout Texas.
It's illegal to fight roosters in Texas. But it's not a crime to own game cocks or have training equipment. The proposed legislation would give law officers the ability to seize cockfighting equipment.
But those who raise game birds and who say they want to protect rural lifestyles oppose the legislation. They say cockfighting is being unfairly connected to gambling and drugs.
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