NASHVILLE - Legislation that would make cock fighting a felony is dead this session after failing to pass the Senate.
The proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro received a vote of 15-8 on Monday evening, short of the 17 votes needed to receive a majority.
Under the bill, a first offense for cock fighting would have remained a misdemeanor. But a second offense would be considered a felony punishable by six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
Opponents of the legislation say it didn't specifically say that raising such chickens would not be a crime and could cause problems for farmers and others in the poultry business.
Ketron said he's not sure if he'll try again next year.