With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
San Bernardino County District Attorney to support cockfighting crackdown
Screenshot from San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office anti-cockfighting video.
(
San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office
)
Listen
1:14
San Bernardino County District Attorney to support cockfighting crackdown
San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos is set to testify Tuesday in Sacramento on behalf of a proposed law that would increase fines for organizers and spectators of cockfighting.
The bill from state Senator Bill Emerson of Hemet would double fines for organizers of cockfights to $10,000. Spectators could be fined up to $5,000.
The San Bernardino County D.A.'s office says it has prosecuted dozens of cockfighting cases over the past year. Ramos added that current penalties are not strong enough deterrents.
His office launched a multimedia anti-cockfighting campaign earlier this year.
Sponsored message
"It’s not just the crime of cockfighting," says Ramos. "But you also have as a part of that the infiltration of gangs, illegal drug activity that’s part of cockfighting culture, prostitution. Crime, serious crime.”
Earlier this month authorities broke up a clandestine cockfighting event being held a trucking company in Fontana. Three men were arrested and more than 200 roosters seized by animal control officers.
A new state law passed last year allows authorities to also seize property used repeatedly for cockfights.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
