California Bill Limiting Rooster Ownership Amended Following Assembly Hearing

State Assemblyman Chris Rogers introduced AB 928 in February, aiming to prevent roosters from being raised for cockfighting and to help control the avian flu.

A rooster rests on the limb of a tree in Key West, Fla., on Feb. 16, 2013. Karen Bleier/AFP via Getty Images

State lawmakers have amended a bill that sets guidelines for how California residents can raise roosters, following a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary Committee in which opponents to the proposal said it would have impacted people who breed roosters as a hobby or for conservation.

According to the April 9 revision of Assembly Bill 928, Californians who own more than three roosters per acre or more than 25 roosters total would be prohibited from keeping the birds in cages separate from each other or on tethers. Penalties include fines of up to $2,500 per day for each violation.