Congress Takes Aim at Dogfighting

July 30, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States Commends Rep. Betty Sutton

WASHINGTON (July 30, 2007) – The public has no tolerance for dogfighting and both chambers of Congress are taking steps to toughen penalties for this crime.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has led the fight against the cruel and degrading activity for years and welcomes the Dog Fighting Prohibition Act, H.R. 3219, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio), designed to crack down on both dogfighters and the spectators who are drawn to these bloody spectacles.

"Rep. Sutton's measure further increases federal penalties for dogfighting and empowers prosecutors to go after these criminals and those who pay to watch them – and that's just what Americans want," said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The HSUS.

Sutton's measure, which has eight original co-sponsors in the House, would empower federal prosecutors to move against dogfighting even if animals were not transported across state lines. Additionally, the measure would make it a federal crime to attend a dogfight, as well as to buy, sell, transport, train, or possess dogs for the purpose of fighting. Last week, a Senate companion bill, S. 1880, was introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) as an original co-sponsor.

"By cracking down on all those involved in dogfighting, from trainers, to dealers to spectators, my legislation will strangle what has unfortunately become a lucrative gambling business. Anyone who knowingly participates in dogfighting is equally culpable and must be held responsible," said Rep. Betty Sutton. "This issue goes far beyond the indictment of Michael Vick. Dogfights still occur in our communities because loopholes exist which allow participants to duck responsibility.  This legislation will bring that to an end." 

In March, The HSUS assisted in a coordinated raid of nine Ohio locations where dogfighting activities were occurring.  More than two dozen arrests were made and more than 60 dogs were seized in the operation led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General and the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

Earlier this year after a six-year campaign by The HSUS, Congress enacted a law to upgrade the penalties for interstate movement of animals for fighting, from a misdemeanor to a felony, and also to ban the interstate commerce in cockfighting weapons.  The new House and Senate bills would make all participation in dogfighting, including being a spectator at a dogfight and possessing dogs for the purpose of fighting, a federal felony, and would increase the maximum penalty from three years to five years in prison.

For a list of all state laws on dogfighting, go to: http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/dogfighting_statelaws.pdf

Facts

All 50 states ban dogfighting. Most make it a felony, although Idaho and Wyoming still categorize organized canine combat as a misdemeanor crime.  

In Georgia, Idaho and Nevada, possession of dogs for fighting is legal. In 43 states, possession of dogs for fighting is a felony; in 4 states it is a misdemeanor.

In Georgia and Hawaii, it is legal to be a spectator at a dogfight. In 26 states, spectators can be charged with a misdemeanor crime; in 22 states it is a felony.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at  humanesociety.org