Legal Gambling at Louisiana Cockfights Ends Tomorrow

August 14, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Parishes with Organized Cockfighting to Enforce New Law and Offers Assistance

This week marks the effective date of a new law to ban gambling at cockfights, and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) calls on cockfighters to voluntarily halt their staged fights between animals.  The anti-gambling law takes effect on August 15.

Today, The Humane Society of the United States sent letters to 13 Sheriff's departments with well-known cockfighting pits in their jurisdictions urging them to enforce the new law. The HSUS also offered the Sheriff departments its investigative and animal handling assistance.  Click here to read one of the letters.

The letter further included information about The HSUS' newly invigorated reward program that offers up to $5,000 for citizens who provide the police with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of people involved in animal fighting.

"The people of Louisiana want an end to cockfighting, and the passage of the anti-gambling law is one expression of that sentiment," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "Louisiana residents who suspect any illegal cockfighting activity should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency."

On August 1, The Advocate quoted Chris Daughdrill, the president of the Louisiana Game Fowl Breeders Association, as saying that gambling at cockfights will "go underground" at small gatherings.

Senate Bill 221, which was sponsored by Senator Art Lentini bans gambling at a cockfight. The Louisiana legislature passed the bill earlier this year.   The new law makes "gambling or wagering at a cockfight" punishable by up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.  Organizers or owners of such gambling operations face fines of up to $20,000 and five years in prison. 

"While we strongly preferred the adoption of an immediate ban on cockfighting, the passage of the anti-gambling measure and the delayed cockfighting ban created a short timeline for the demise of this cruel activity in Louisiana," said Pacelle. "Cockfighters should not risk prosecution, and should take up a hobby other than staged fights between animals."

The HSUS will continue its efforts to upgrade state laws, to train law enforcement on investigating animal fighting operations, and to enforce the state and federal laws against animal fighting.

A full ban on cockfighting, HB 108, introduced by Rep. Harold Ritchie, was signed into law by Gov. Blanco and will take effect in August 2008.

A new federal law making it a felony to move animals in interstate or foreign commerce took effect in May.  

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