Critics call Oklahoma Gov. Stitt's 'support' of cockfighting groups bad
Oklahoma Republican Gov. Kevin Stitt is facing criticism from animal rights groups and the ire of political rivals after releasing a video condemning the state's illegal cockfighting industry.
Incredibly, Stitt made a short video in support of the Oklahoma Gamecocking Commission (OGC), an organization advocating for the reduction of cockfighting penalties.
In this exercise, spectators typically place bets on the birds, which then fight to the death, often with tiny razors attached to their claws called "harpoons" or "machetes."
Oklahoma banned cockfighting in a 2002 referendum, something Oklahoma district director Chance Campo knows all too well.
In August, he was charged with illegal cockfighting by prosecutors after participating in a cockfight in Carter County that was broken up by authorities.
Cheering on the sidelines
“I want to take a moment to cheer you on from the sidelines,” Stitt told OGC members in the video, apologizing for not being able to attend the organization’s annual meeting in person.
You all know the long and storied history of game fowl in Oklahoma from statehood to the present day,” he continued. “We must protect Oklahoma’s nearly 5,000 game fowl farmers and develop Our rural and local economies. “I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together in the next legislative session.”
The OGC has donated more than $70,000 to Oklahoma lawmakers, including $2,000 to Stitt himself, The Oklahoman reported.
The group boasts on its website that it successfully worked with lawmakers last year to introduce and pass four bills out of committee, but none of them ultimately became law.
"Backwards, embarrassing"
Former Republican Gov. Frank Keating, whose administration oversaw the 2002 ban, described cockfighting as "cruel and regressive" in a statement this week, adding that Stitt's actions were "disgraceful." Awkward".
I am embarrassed that any elected official would try to reverse this morally settled issue," Keating said."The rhetoric about legalizing cockfighting is harmful to the idea of economic development and progress in our great nation. "
Former Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson complained that Stitt's association of himself with lawlessness was "not an appropriate role for an elected official across the state."
Stitt refused
Although the state's residents narrowly voted 52 percent to ban the blood sport in a 2002 referendum, the ban has been delayed by legal challenges. The law finally took effect in 2004 after the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled 7-0 that it was constitutional. The OGC has maintained a consistent lobbying campaign since then, The Oklahoman reported.
Abegal Cave, a spokesperson for the governor’s office, denied that Stitt supports animal cruelty. Instead, he supports “Oklahoma agriculture,” she said.
She added that Stitt "has not seen or advocated for any legislation addressing the [cockfighting] issue."
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