House Resolution 1949
By: Representative Gullett of the 19th
A RESOLUTION
Creating the House Study Committee on Gamecock Fighting in Georgia; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, a gamecock is a domesticated fowl bred, reared, or trained for the purposes of
fighting with other fowl; and
WHEREAS, gamecock fighting is a blood sport that often involves the use of metal blades
attached to the gamecocks' legs and frequently results in the death of one or more fowl; and
WHEREAS, gamecock fight organizers have been known to receive more than $100,000.00
from gamecock fighting derbies, and such derbies are frequently associated with gambling,
drugs, violence, and criminal gang activity; and
WHEREAS, gamecock fighting is illegal under federal law, and Georgia is the only state in
which gamecock fighting is not a felony offense under state law; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of the General Assembly to ensure that state and federal
laws prohibiting cruelty to animals are enforced; and
WHEREAS, further examination of potential criminal penalties and avenues for deterrence
related to gamecock fighting would assist the General Assembly in developing sound policy
recommendations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
(1) Creation of House study committee. There is created the House Study Committee
on Gamecock Fighting in Georgia.
(2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of five members of the
House of Representatives. Three of such members shall be appointed by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives. Two of such members shall be appointed by the House
Minority Leader. The Speaker shall designate a member of the committee as chairperson
of the committee.
(3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs,
issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or
legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.
(4) Meetings. The chairperson shall call all meetings of the committee. The committee
may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or
convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and
accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution.
(5) Allowances and funding.
(A) The legislative members of the committee shall receive the allowances provided for
in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
(B) The allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received by any member
of the committee for more than five days unless additional days are authorized. Funds
necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from funds
appropriated to the House of Representatives.
(6) Abolishment. The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2026.