CHEYENNE - The House on Tuesday gave initial approval to a stripped-down version of a bill that would make dogfighting a felony in Wyoming.

House Bill 46 originally included a provision that would have given local animal-control officers authority to intervene in cases of animal abuse. The provision was removed on first reading.

Supporters of the bill argued that the added authority would increase enforcement of animal abuse laws, but it raised red flags for ranching groups.

Representatives of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and other groups said they were concerned that untrained officers might intervene in accepted livestock practices.

Rep. Rosie Berger, R-Big Horn, the bill sponsor, said she regretted removing the provision, but the sacrifice was needed to move the bill forward.

"We decided this was not the time during a budget session to get bogged down," Berger said.

Wyoming is the only state that doesn't make dogfighting a felony. Pressure has been building to enhance the penalties for the crime since Atlanta Falcons superstar Michael Vick was convicted of running a dogfighting operation on his Virginia property last year.

Opponents of the bill argue that dogfighting is not a problem in Wyoming, but supporters, including Gov. Dave Freudenthal, have said the state could be seen as a safe haven for the blood sport if the legislation fails.

HB 46 would place dogfighting in the category of aggravated animal cruelty, and would increase the maximum penalty to two years in prison and a $5,000 fine. It also makes cockfighting a felony.

The bill now moves to second reading in the House.