All California poultry owners, exhibitors, and American Poultry Association (APA) and American Bantam Association (ABA) breeders need to understand the details of this bill, which is being heard during a hearing on March 26th, 1:30pm, at the Sacramento State Capitol, Room 126.
It is a Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0) which was introduced on February 19, 2025 by (D) Chris Rogers of Santa Rosa - and has progressed about 25% since that time. On March 10th, the bill was referred to Coms. on AGRI. and JUD. and is pending the Assembly Agriculture Committee.
Assemblymember Rogers is hoping to add Division 12.5 (commencing with Section 28800) to the Food and Agricultural Code, relating to roosters. It states, "a person shall not keep or raise more than 3 roosters per acre, or more
than 25 roosters total, regardless of acreage, on any property".
The bill also contains what initially seems to be reasonable exceptions to the untrained eye:
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1) A
person who keeps or raises roosters for purposes of food production if
the person is subject to local, state, or federal inspection laws or
regulations.
(2) A public or private school registered with the State Department of Education.
(3) A government-operated animal shelter.
(4) A nonprofit animal welfare organization, as defined in Section 6010.40 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(5) A
4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), or State Grange project, if the
4-H, FFA, or State Grange has provided written approval for the project
to the person keeping or raising the roosters.
(6) A person who meets all of the following criteria:
(A) Owns
and breeds poultry for lawful exhibition in accordance with accepted
poultry raising practices and all laws and regulations governing
exhibition.
(B) Does not breed or raise poultry for purposes of making them available for cockfighting.
(C) Within
the preceding 10 years,
has not been convicted for any cockfighting offense pursuant to
Section 597b of the Penal Code or Section 2156 of Title 7 of the United
States Code, or any other cockfighting offense of any state.
(D) Is
a certified participant in the National Poultry Improvement Plan,
administered by the California Poultry Health Board pursuant to all
federal and state program standards.
Reading Closer - The Dangers of Fine Print
The problem with much of today's legislation comes down to the fine print; what does the bill language actually say? Our Representatives are notorious for and have a long history of creating unclear, far-reaching, and exhaustive language that can ultimately have unintended consequences.
There is much to unpack, but this is where the details matter, and how AB-928 will impact all poultry owners across the state:
- The Bill version above, introduced on February 19th, has a very intentional use of the word "ALL" under section (6). The language, as written, actually states that only if a person who meets ALL of the listed criteria is exempt.
- At closer examination of the last line (D), this bill would require anyone who raises more than 3 roosters per acre (up to 25) to be NPIP certified, something that has been optional in the past. Those who are familiar with the process of obtaining NPIP certification will share how confusing, expensive, and time consuming the program can be; think of it as a the DMV of the poultry world, which is why many forgo the certification.
- Even if you are raising chickens as an educational project, you will also be required to have written approval (5) by said organization. This could create not only an administrative burden for these organizations, but an additional "hoop" to jump through when a family considers participating on a youth breeding project.
- What is considered "lawful exhibition"? What will poultry shows need to demonstrate or record in order to be considered a "lawful" event?
- The Humane Society, who partnered with Assemblymember Rogers, conveniently incorporated an exception for themselves under section (4), as a nonprofit animal welfare organization.
The Bottom Line
No one in the world of exhibition poultry condones cock fighting, and there are already laws in place to properly criminalize that type of activity. This is yet another bill which imposes unwarranted restrictions and could ultimately place further limits on law abiding citizens.
As an APA/ABA poultry breeder for more than 20 years, I often keep multiple roosters in my breeding pens and for purposes to further the breeds I am maintaining and raising to Standard. And, living in a rural area, I should be able to keep the roosters I deem necessary to my breeding program, without having to become certified. Breeders of heritage birds and game fowl (not used for fighting) will essentially become nonexistent.
Poultry enthusiasts, breeders, exhibitors should be concerned not only about the existing language of Assembly Bill 928, but stay informed and engaged about any future revisions and changes. It is important you contact your local representatives and provide your input on what needs to be revised, and how. Urge them to reject and vote no on AB-928.
There are plans underway to gather at the state capitol and oppose this bill.To read further and stay aware of the status of AB-928:
California Legislature:
LegiScan Resource:
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