D.C. Council Passes Animal Welfare Measure That Strengthens District’s Animal Cruelty and Fighting Laws

July 16, 2008

Measure Includes Various Animal Welfare Provisions, Including Tougher Penalties for Attending an Animal Fight in the Nation's Capital

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the D.C. Council for passing a comprehensive bill upgrading the District's animal care and control laws, including a provision that makes it a felony to be a spectator at an illegal dogfight or cockfight. The animal welfare bill was introduced by Councilmember Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3, and is the culmination of an effort begun by George Washington University Law School's Animal Welfare Project in 2004.

"Animal fighting is a despicable and indefensible practice," said Nancy Perry, vice president of government affairs for The Humane Society of the United States. "Spectators finance dogfights and cockfights through admission fees and gambling, and the District's law has been deficient in handling these people who cheer and enable this cruelty. The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to Councilmember Cheh and the entire D.C. Council for cracking down on the entire cast of characters involved in animal fighting."

Besides making it a felony to be a spectator at an animal fight, B17-89 also contains a wide range of significant protections for animals including provisions which:

• Allow courts to order counseling or forfeiture of the right to possess animals in cases of animal cruelty
• Allow courts to safeguard families at risk by issuing pet protection orders in cases of domestic violence
• Require reporting of animal cruelty by law enforcement officers and child or protective services employees
• Require permits for commercial animal breeders
• Strengthen the District's laws regarding dangerous dogs
• Prohibit the seizure of animals from shelters for use in research
• Establish licensing, immunization, insurance and notification requirements for commercial guard dogs 
• Set standards of care for animals kept in classrooms
• Require the inclusion of domestic animals in disaster plans
• Increase licensing fees for animals who are not spayed or neutered, to encourage sterilization and reduce the euthanasia of unwanted puppies and kittens  
• Sets up a spay and neuter fund to assist lower-income residents in gaining access to these services for their pets

"This legislation is the product of years of research and hard work, and it is gratifying to see the final bill pass the D.C. Council," Cheh said. "This bill will significantly improve the lives of animals in the District."

Along with George Washington University Professor Joan Schaffner, Cheh oversaw the Animal Welfare Project prior to being elected to the council.

Once signed by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, the bill will go to the U.S. Congress for a 60-day approval period. Congress has passed two measures during the current session upgrading the federal law to combat dogfighting and cockfighting.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 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.