Governor Brown Signs Law That Will Double Cockfighting Fines

SACRAMENTO (AP) — The fine for staging a cockfight will double in California under a law signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.

The governor announced Friday that he signed SB1145 by Hemet Republican Sen. Bill Emmerson. The bill raises the fine for anyone convicted of cockfighting from a maximum of $5,000 to $10,000.

The bill also increases fines on other animal fighting, such as bears and dogs. Spectators could face as many as six months in jail and a fine of $5,000, up from $1,000.

The fines will be raised starting next year.

California charges first-time offenders with a misdemeanor and some advocates say the punishment should be raised to a felony. But since the state is looking to reduce prison costs, supporters pushed for increasing fines rather than penalties.

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