November 9, 2002
		Oklahoma Bans Cockfighting Voters in Oklahoma approved a ban on the bloody, violent spectacle of cockfighting 55 percent to 45 percent on November 5. Cockfighting draws gamblers who bet on roosters fitted with razors who fight to the death. "It shows that we are not a haven for animal abusers," said Janet Halliburton, chairperson of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Cockfighting. "We have been the laughing stock of the nation." Halliburton and her allies have been pushing for a ban for three years. "We never thought it would be so difficult or cost so much or take so long," she said. "We are finally vindicated and the people of Oklahoma got their chance to vote. That's what the cockfighters feared." Spokesman for Oklahoma Game Fowl Breeders Kelly Barger said, "I'm disappointed beyond words. When you are outspent 7-to-1 in a statewide campaign it's very hard to get your message out." Barger also said that he believed the initiative petition that brought the issue to vote was illegal, and that cockfighting supporters would be fighting it in federal court. "Rest assured, this is not the end of the issue," he said. "This is only a setback." The ban makes it a felony, punishable by a prison term of up to 10 years, to hold cockfights, keep equipment or facilities for fighting or possess the roosters. Cockfighting is still legal in just two states, Louisiana and New Mexico.