Oklahoma's Efforts to Weaken Cockfighting Penalties Frustrate Opponents

Oklahoma is facing a resurgence of controversy over cockfighting, with a proposal to weaken penalties for the bloodsport clearing the state's House and a political action committee raising funds to support farmers who raise game fowl. Despite bipartisan blowback, including from former Gov. Frank Keating and football legend Barry Switzer, the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission is pushing for reduced penalties, arguing that they raise the birds for poultry shows and breeding, not for fighting purposes. The issue has reignited debates over animal rights, law enforcement, and the intersection of money and politics in the state.