Proposition 201 would amend state law to create the crime of cockfighting by prohibiting a person from knowingly:

1. Owning, possessing, keeping or training a male chicken ("cock") with the intent that the cock fight with another cock.

2. Causing any cock to fight with or injure another cock for the amusement or gain of the person.

3. Allowing any of the above described acts to occur on the person's property. In addition, state law would prohibit a person from knowingly being present at a place where preparations are being made for a cockfight or where a cockfighting exhibition takes place.

Cockfighting would be classified as a class 5 felony, generally punishable by a possible fine of up to $150,000 and a possible prison term ranging from nine months to two years. Presence at a cockfight would be classified as a class 1 misdemeanor, generally punishable by a possible fine of up to $2,500 and a possible jail term of up to six months.

This proposition would extend existing state law animal cruelty exemptions and defenses that apply to lawful hunting, ranching, farming, rodeos and related activities to also apply to cockfighting.