Cockfighting ban awaits Richardson’s signature

A statewide ban on cockfighting is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Bill Richardson.

The Senate voted 27-6 today to accept minor changes made to the bill by the House, which approved the ban Thursday.

Senate Bill 10, sponsored by Sen. Mary Jane Garcia, D-Doña Ana, makes the first offense a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison. A second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, and further offenses are fourth-degree felonies punishable by up to 18 months in prison.

Once Richardson signs the bill, which he has said he will do, Louisiana will be the only state in the nation that doesn’t outlaw cockfighting.