Opinion ID: 1754392
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: One Subject

Text: The Association asserts that Proposition A contains multiple subjects. Section B prohibits baiting or fighting animals, which includes cockfighting. Section 578.173 RSMo Supp.1999. [1] Section C prohibits bear wrestling, which is fighting between a human and a bear. Sections 578.170(3), 578.176. The Association claims that bear wrestling is a different subject from cockfighting and other forms of animal baiting and fighting, which occur among only non-human participants. The Association believes this is logrolling as voters were forced to vote for one subject in order to enact a subject they earnestly support. See Blunt, 799 S.W.2d at 830. An initiative has one subject if all of its provisions are properly connected with a central purpose. Buchanan v. Kirkpatrick, 615 S.W.2d 6, 13-14 (Mo. banc 1981). A measure may encompass one subject, and yet effect several changes and incidents, if all are germane to its one controlling purpose. Blunt, 799 S.W.2d at 830-31. The purpose of Proposition A is clear: to prohibit fighting involving animals for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, wagering or gain. Proposition A defines bear wrestling as a form of fighting involving an animal (a bear). Section 578.170(3). Bear wrestling is clearly within the purpose to prohibit fighting involving animals for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, wagering or gain. Baiting is defined as attacking, provoking, or harassing an animal for the purpose of fights with other animals. Section 578.170(2). Baiting is clearly within the purpose to prohibit fighting involving animals for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, wagering or gain. As another illustration of multiple subjects, the Association objects that Proposition A criminalizes ownership, possession, manufacture, sale, barter, or exchange of cockfighting implements (such as gaffs and slashers). See 578.173.2(3), (4). The Association emphasizes that on its face, Proposition A does not require an intent to use these implements in cockfighting, or with any other necessary relation to actual cockfighting. Id. The ban on cockfighting implements relates to the central purpose to prohibit fighting involving animals for the purpose of amusement, entertainment, wagering or gain. Outlawing the instrumentalities of a practice is properly connected to outlawing the practice. A proposal is liberally and nonrestrictively construed so that provisions connected with or incident to effectuating its central purpose are not treated as separate subjects. Blunt, 799 S.W.2d at 830.