Topeka ? The Senate Judiciary Committee has been told that increased penalties for cockfighting would help deter the sport in Kansas.

The committee was told Monday that Kansas is a magnet for the cockfighting. That’s because while it’s a felony in surrounding states, it’s a misdemeanor in Kansas.

Sen. Julia Lynn, an Olathe Republican, said making cockfighting a felony means those arrested could face larger fines.

The committee took no action on the bill.