Illinois Committee Passes Bill to Crack Down on Animal Fighting

April 16, 2008

The HSUS Urges House to Pass H.B. 4857

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Illinois House of Representatives Judiciary Criminal Law Committee for passing H.B. 4857, a bill increasing the penalties for  people who fuel the criminal industries of dogfighting and cockfighting. Sponsored by Rep. Bob Molaro, D-Chicago, the bill would make being a spectator at an animal fight a Class A misdemeanor on the first offense, with an additional requirement of 20 hours community service. The second offense would classify as a Class 4 felony.

"Animal fighting is cruel and barbaric, and should be punished with penalties that provide an adequate deterrent," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The Humane Society of the United States. "Cockfighting and dogfighting exist solely for entertainment and gambling purposes, and the spectators pay admission fees and gambling wagers that make the activity profitable. These gruesome activities have no socially redeemable value."

Under Illinois law, a Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500 or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater. A Class 4 felony is punishable by a maximum fine of $25,000 or the amount specified in the offense, whichever is greater. Additionally, a Class 4 fe1ony is also punishable by imprisonment of one to three years.

"We made a public policy decision in Illinois that recognizes that the illegal animal fighting industry is fueled by spectators," said Rep. Molaro. "We are putting spectators on notice that they will be prosecuted for their role in this horrendous activity. It is a great day for animals in Illinois."

About Dogfighting:

• Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
• The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.
• A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people.

About Cockfighting:

• Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.
• Common cockfighting practices include breeding birds for viciousness, drugging them to heighten aggression, and fitting their legs with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling ice picks.
• Law enforcement raids across the country have revealed that cockfights, which are frequently attended by children, involve illegal gambling and — as a result of the large amount of cash present — firearms and other weapons are also often present.
• Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs. 
• The illegal transport of fighting birds can spread deadly diseases to people and poultry.

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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.