FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conservation Department irate over misinformation on cockfighting issue

"Neutral means neutral," says Deputy Director John Smith.

JEFFERSON CITY--The Missouri Department of Conservation says its position on a ballot initiative to ban organized animal fights has been misinterpreted by some. But what irks Deputy Director John Smith is the fact that others have deliberately misrepresented the Conservation Department's position.

Proposition A on the Nov. 3 ballot would ban the practice of pitting fighting cocks, bears or other animals against one another for entertainment.

"Simply put, the Conservation Department is neutral on the ballot initiative," says Smith. "Our legal counsel's interpretation of the proposed law is that it would not affect fishing and hunting activities regulated by the Conservation Department; therefore, it would be inappropriate for this agency to take a position on the issue. But don't misinterpret the Department's neutrality as support for the initiative."

The Conservation Department's neutrality may have been interpreted by some Missourians as tacit approval of the cockfighting proposition. Smith says his agency has received an increasing number of calls from Missourians demanding to know why the Conservation Department supports Proposition A. Media reports, including a broadcast on a Kansas City radio station earlier this week, have contributed to this perception.

"We thought it best not to issue any formal statements about Proposition A, since the Conservation Department neither supports nor opposes it," says Smith. "Looking back, it's clear that not speaking out left room for misunderstanding."

Conservation Department officials acknowledge that the language of the initiative is vague enough that some of its provisions could be interpreted differently by prosecutors and local law enforcement officials. Smith emphasized that voters should read the full language of the proposition and decide for themselves.

"The Conservation Department has been dragged into this issue by both sides," says Smith. "Reasonable people may disagree about what Proposition A is intended to do. They may disagree about whether the wording of the proposition is too vague and may hamper legitimate activities. But that debate should not include loose talk about Conservation Department's opposition or support. Neutral means neutral."