Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission

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Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission is a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes the interest of game fowl owners and lobbies for the decriminalization of cockfighting in Oklahoma.

Contents

Background

Cockfighting has been illegal in the United States at the federal level since 2007 and in the state of Oklahoma since 2004. [1] The blood sport was popular during the 20th century in Oklahoma, but efforts to ban it gained momentum in the 21st century with Oklahoma State Question 687 banning the sport being approved by voters in 2002. The ban was officially upheld by the Oklahoma Supreme Court in 2004. [2]

Structure

The president is Anthony DeVore. [1] Josh Tadysh is their vice president. [3]

Their website states that their goal "is to unify members into a single political group that will influence legislative actions and form a voting power house that will positively impact Gamefowl owner’s rights in Oklahoma and across the United States." [4]

Lobbying activities

The Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission lobbies to decreased criminal penalties for cockfighting and donates to election campaigns in Oklahoma. [1] The organization has "donated more than $70,000 to Oklahoma lawmakers" and does not report the names of its donors. [5]

United States House of Representatives

Josh Brecheen, representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district, confirmed his support for decriminalizing cockfighting in January 2024 after Anthony DeVore, president of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, told the Kentucky Game Fowl Commission his organization had the congressman's support. [6]

Oklahoma House of Representatives

Justin Humphrey has made several efforts to introduce cockfighting legislation that has led to the outcry from animal rights advocates and the former attorney general. [7] [8] Oklahoma has been called the "Cockfighting Capitol of the United States." [9] In 2023, Humphrey introduced HB 2530, [10] to allow county-specific elections to reduce from felonies to misdemeanors the criminal penalties related to cockfighting. He argued the bill as a criminal justice reform measure. The bill advanced out of the House Criminal Judiciary Committee on Feb. 22. [11] HB 2530 died on April 13, 2023, for the second year in a row. In 2022, Jon Echols amended a previous bill of Humphrey's about cockfighting that was later changed to include issues of loitering. [12] The Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, "a pro-cockfighting political action committee," donated $1,000 to Humphrey "and he is listed on one report as receiving support from the organization when it spent $178.12 on a checkbook from First United Bank in Durant." [13]

In 2023 Dave Rader co-authored House Bill 1792 with Mike Osburn [14] that would lessen the penalties of and cockfighting dogfighting in Oklahoma, which sparked pushback from animal rights advocates. [15] Also in 2023, Lonnie Paxton authored Senate Bill 1006 which died in the Senate. It would have also lessened the penalties for cockfighting in the state, similar to House Bill 2530, authored by Justin Humphrey and Paxton, which also died in the same timeframe. [16]

On such bills Tulsa District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler said he was glad cockfighting remained a felony. [17] In early 2024, cockfighting rings have been operating illegally in the state, with the "Oklahoma state director for Animal Wellness Action and a native of Adair County" saying that "'enforcement of state cockfighting laws has been mixed even though the cruel practice is associated with a host of other crimes, such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, gang activity, illegal weapon sales, and violence."' [18]

Oklahoma Governor interactions

In November 2023 Governor Kevin Stitt appeared in a prerecorded video at the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission's annual meeting, saying: "You all know Oklahoma's long and storied history with gamefowl, from statehood to today. Oklahomans like yourselves remain dedicated to the spirit of competition and camaraderie that runs deep in our communities." [19] The statement was criticized by former Governor Frank Keating, former attorney general Drew Edmondson, and animal rights groups as an endorsement of the commission's efforts to reduce the penalty for cockfighting in Oklahoma to a misdemeanor. [19] A Stitt spokesperson responded: "The governor of course does not support animal cruelty. He supports Oklahoma agriculture and often records videos for ag groups around the state... [the governor] has not seen or endorsed any legislation on this topic." [20] YouTube later took the video down for violating community standards by promoting animal cruelty. [21] After Stitt's video message, the Gamefowl Commission asked its members to oppose the nomination of Sara E. Hill to the federal judiciary, saying, "our governor, Kevin Stitt, has asked that we call and email Senators Lankford and Mullin to rescind their approval of Ms. Sara Hill as a federal judge in Northern Oklahoma." [22] Stitt had previously opposed Hill's nomination. [23] The governor's office denied requesting that the commission oppose Hill's nomination. [22] The communications director, Abegail Cave, said that the governor will not support bills that lessen cockfighting penaltities. [1]

Criticism

Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, "which two decades ago worked to turn out Oklahoma voters and outlaw the activity," said that the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission "'tried to make an official sounding name'" but that '"they’re just a bunch of cockfighters."' [24]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cockfighting</span> Blood sport between domesticated animals

Cockfighting is a blood sport involving domesticated roosters as the combatants. The first documented use of the word gamecock, denoting use of the cock as to a "game", a sport, pastime or entertainment, was recorded in 1634, after the term "cock of the game" used by George Wilson, in the earliest known book on the sport of cockfighting in The Commendation of Cocks and Cock Fighting in 1607. But it was during Magellan's voyage of discovery of the Philippines in 1521 when modern cockfighting was first witnessed and documented for Westerners by the Italian Antonio Pigafetta, Magellan's chronicler, in the Kingdom of Taytay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Rader</span> American football coach and politician (born 1957)

David Rader is an Oklahoma state senator and former American football coach and player. He served as the head football coach at the University of Tulsa from 1988 to 1999, compiling a record of 49–80–1.

The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board is the parole board of the state of Oklahoma. The board was created by an amendment to the Oklahoma Constitution in 1944. The Board has the authority to empower the Governor of Oklahoma to grant pardons, paroles, and commutations to people convicted of offenses against the state of Oklahoma.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oklahoma District Attorneys Council</span>

The Oklahoma District Attorneys Council is an agency of the state of Oklahoma that provides professional organization for the education, training and coordination of technical efforts of all Oklahoma state prosecutors and to maintain and improve prosecutor efficiency and effectiveness in enforcing the laws of the state. The Council distinguishes itself from the District Attorneys Association, a private organization, in order to lobby the legislature, though it is composed of the same members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Brecheen</span> American politician (born 1979)

Joshua Chad Brecheen is an American politician from the U.S. state of Oklahoma who has served as the U.S. representative for Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, he represented the 6th district in the Oklahoma Senate from 2010 to 2018. He is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Humphrey</span> American politician (born 1966)

Justin J. J. Humphrey is an American politician who has served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives representing the 19th district, which covers parts of the counties of Choctaw, Pushmataha, Atoka, and Bryan. A member of the Republican Party, he was elected in the 2016 election and sworn in on November 16, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg Treat</span> American politician

Greg Treat is an American Republican politician from Oklahoma and the current President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate. He represented the 47th district from 2011 to 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Stitt</span> Governor of Oklahoma since 2019

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matt Pinnell</span> American politician

Philip Matthew Pinnell is an American politician serving as the 17th lieutenant governor of Oklahoma, since 2019. Pinnell is also serving as the first Oklahoma Secretary of Tourism & Branding. Pinnell is a member of the Republican Party.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lonnie Paxton</span> American politician

Lonnie Paxton is an American politician who has served in the Oklahoma Senate from the 23rd district since 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Julie Daniels</span> American politician

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greg McCortney</span> American politician

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Osburn</span> American politician

Mike Osburn is an American politician who has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 81st district since 2016. He is Cherokee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tammy Townley</span> American politician

Tammy Townley is an American politician who has served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives from the 48th district since 2018. She was re-elected by default in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carri Hicks</span> American politician

Carri Hicks is an American politician who has served in the Oklahoma Senate from the 40th district since 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial election</span>

The 2022 Oklahoma gubernatorial election was held on November 8, 2022, to elect the governor of Oklahoma. Incumbent Republican governor Kevin Stitt was re-elected to a second term, with 55.5% of the vote, defeating Democratic candidate Joy Hofmeister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Martinez (politician)</span> Oklahoma state representative

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Avery Carl Frix is a Choctaw American politician and businessman who has served in the Oklahoma Senate representing the 9th district since 2024.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">John George (Oklahoma politician)</span> American politician

John George is an American politician who has served as the Oklahoma House of Representatives member from the 36th district since November 16, 2022.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Pope, Anna (March 18, 2024). "Raising roosters is big business. Now a push to ease penalties for cockfighting is ruffling feathers". KOSU . Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  2. ↑ Hawley, Frederick. "Cockfighting". okhistory.org. Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture . Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  3. ↑ "The Commission". Archived from the original on 3 June 2023.
  4. ↑ "Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission". Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission. Archived from the original on 29 November 2022.
  5. ↑ Felder, Ben (February 22, 2023). "Pro-cockfighting group has spent more than $70K on effort to decriminalize sport in Oklahoma". The Oklahoman . Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  6. ↑ McNutt, Michael (24 January 2024). "U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen backs 'decriminalization of cockfighting'". NonDoc. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  7. ↑ Weber, Andy (May 21, 2023). "Oklahoma bill to lessen punishment for cockfighting stalls after House vote". KOCO . Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  8. ↑ Francis-Smith, Janice (February 2, 2023). "Latest cockfighting bill draws ire of former AG". The Journal Record . Retrieved 24 April 2024.
  9. ↑ "'Cockfighting capital' of US? Oklahoma bill to ease penalties draws attack from activists". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  10. ↑ "Bill Information". www.oklegislature.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  11. ↑ Allen, Mike; Savage, Tres (February 26, 2023). "Cockfighting fight turns back time at Oklahoma Capitol". Nondoc. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  12. ↑ "Loitering becomes target of Oklahoma House bill". Journal Record. 2022.
  13. ↑ Savage, Mike Allen and Tres; Savage, Tres (2023-02-26). "Cockfighting fight turns back time at Oklahoma Capitol". NonDoc. Retrieved 2023-04-09.
  14. ↑ "Bill Information". www.oklegislature.gov. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
  15. ↑ Staff, Mckenzie Richmond, KTUL (2023-04-12). "An Oklahoma bill could dramatically reduce punishment for dog fighting". KTUL. Retrieved 2023-04-13.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ PACELLE, WAYNE (April 2023). "Pro-Cockfighting Bills Fail in Oklahoma Legislature". EIN News. Retrieved 2023-04-14.
  17. ↑ Leigh, Sunny (14 April 2023). "Bill to reduce penalties for animal fighting shut down in Oklahoma Senate". KTUL. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
  18. ↑ Times, The Black Wall Street (2024-02-07). "Massive Cockfighting Derby Discovered in Oklahoma". Black Wall Street Times. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
  19. 1 2 Dulaney, Josh (November 15, 2023). "Gov. Kevin Stitt under fire for comments that appear to support cockfighting group". The Oklahoman . Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  20. ↑ Dulaney, Josh (November 17, 2023). "Governor's office says Stitt's praise of Gamefowl Commission wasn't meant to support animal cruelty". The Oklahoman . Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  21. ↑ Carter, M. Scott (November 20, 2023). "YouTube pulls video of Oklahoma Gov. Stitt praising cockfighting group, cites animal cruelty". The Oklahoman . Retrieved 21 November 2023.
  22. 1 2 McNutt, Michael (22 November 2023). "'A terrible mistake': Barry Switzer urges Gov. Stitt to issue statement opposing cockfighting". NonDoc. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
  23. ↑ Patterson, Matt; Brinkman, Bennett (October 20, 2023). "Frantic Friday: Drummond files St. Isidore suit; Stitt fills state board, criticizes Sara Hill nomination". NonDoc. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Oklahoma's push to weaken penalties for cockfighting is frustrating opponents of the bloodsport". AP News. 2024-03-14. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
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