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©Grace Chon/Shine Pet Photos |
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Legislation is an effective weapon in the battle against animal fighting and cruelty. |
Victories come more slowly with legislation than they do in individual cases, but a well-written law can affect thousands of animals at once. Working behind the scenes, the Animal Cruelty and Fighting Campaign brings your voice—and our expertise—to the halls of Congress and state legislatures nationwide to strike down cruelty.
In 2007, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, a momentous victory against illegal animal fighting that came after years of effort. Also in 2007, New Mexico and Louisiana become the 49th and 50th states to ban cockfighting, respectively, and Hawaii became the 43rd state to pass a felony animal cruelty law.
Building on this success, 2008 is well on its way to becoming a banner year for animal protection laws as well, with Idaho and Wyoming becoming the 49th and 50th states respectively to make dogfighting a felony offense. Meanwhile, members of the 110th Congress are considering legislation to further increase the penalties against dogfighting.
Also in 2008, Utah became the 44th state to pass a felony animal cruelty law. Other states considering laws to increase animal cruelty and/or animal fighting penalties in 2008 include:
Updated March 10, 2008.
See the Video
Fighting Issues, not Animals
Related Links
Animal Fighting Laws: Where Does Your State Stand?
Ranking of State Cockfighting Laws
Cockfighting State Laws
Ranking of State Dogfighting Laws
State Dogfighting Laws
New Mexico Cockfighting Raids Make History
