HB1611

House Bill 1611 amends Arkansas state law to modify the definition of animal fighting and explicitly creates a new offense for unlawful rooster fighting. The bill defines two degrees of unlawful rooster fighting: the first degree involves organizing, promoting, profiting from, or charging admission for rooster fighting, categorized as a Class D felony. The second degree involves paying to attend or participating in watching or carrying out a fight, categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. The legislation establishes protections for individuals by clarifying that mere presence near a fight is not sufficient for a charge without evidence of participation or payment. Additionally, it sets legal standards for law enforcement regarding the seizure and treatment of roosters involved in these cases, requiring clear and convincing evidence for seizure and restricting euthanasia to cases where a veterinarian deems the animal to have an untreatable medical condition. It also includes an exemption for lawful game fowl breeding and exhibition activities certified under the USDA National Poultry Improvement Plan.