Congressional Leaders Condemn Dogfighting

The investigation of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick for alleged illegal dogfighting activity is being closely watched by members of Congress. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are joining The Humane Society of the United States in speaking out about the carnage wrought by the vast network of underground dogfighting operations.

In May, when the allegations first surfaced, Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.) sent a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, urging strong action against any athlete involved in dogfighting. "I am outraged that one of the National Football League's superstars is affiliated with such a heinous enterprise as dog fighting," Lantos wrote. "Your strong rebuke of dog fighting—and those who promote it—will send the message that this all-too-prevalent practice has no place in a civilized society. I will view anything less than the strongest repudiation of Mr. Vick's involvement as tacit support for this atrocious activity."

Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), author of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, also sent a letter to Commissioner Goodell condemning Vick's alleged activities.

After Vick and three co-defendants were indicted on federal dogfighting charges last week, other lawmakers reacted with indignation. 

On July 18, Senators John Ensign (R-Nev.) and Wayne Allard (R-Colo.), both veterinarians, held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol with HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle to respond to the grisly events alleged in the Vick indictment [PDF], and to commend law enforcement for its efforts to crack down on illegal animal fighting. Senators Ensign and Allard—along with Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Representatives Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.) and Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), and others—were instrumental in passing the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which strengthens the penalties for transporting animals over state lines for the purpose of animal fighting (signed into law by President Bush May 3).

In what was surely the most theatrical and mesmerizing response, Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.), the longest-serving Senator in U.S. history, gave an impassioned speech on the Senate floor denouncing the "scourge" of dogfighting in the United States. "Dogfighting is a federal crime, and yet animal welfare officials report that dogfighting is more popular today than ever," said Byrd.  "Shame, shame, shame," he nearly shouted in the Senate chamber.  

Now 89 years old, Senator Byrd is known for his ornate floor speeches, and his remarks captured the outrage coursing through the nation on animal cruelty cases. "The training of these poor creatures—weigh those words—the training of these poor creatures to turn them into fighting machines is simply barbaric—barbaric. Let that word resound from hill to hill and from mountain to mountain, from valley to valley across this broad land—barbaric. May God help those poor souls who would be so cruel."

Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) called on Commissioner Goodell to immediately suspend Vick. "On behalf of millions of sports fans and dog lovers, I urge you to treat Mr. Vick's dog fighting indictment with the very serious attention it deserves and to suspend him from the League until the resolution of legal proceedings." Senator Kerry also issued a statement announcing the he will introduce legislation aimed at strengthening the federal laws against dogfighting.

While the courtroom drama is likely to play out a few hours south in Virginia, bipartisan compassion for animals—and condemnation of the cruel and barbaric dogfighting industry—is resounding on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Even though the Congress recently upgraded the federal animal fighting statute, there is likely to be more legislation and action in the offing.

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Dogfighting Pet Minute

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