New Senate Bill Takes Aim at Dogfighting

July 26, 2007

The Humane Society of the United States Commends Senators Kerry and Boxer

WASHINGTON – Michael Vick's guilt or innocence has yet to be determined but the case against him has already rendered one verdict: The public has no tolerance for dogfighting.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has led the fight against the cruel and degrading activity for years, and today welcomed the introduction of federal legislation designed to crack down on both dogfighters and the spectators who are drawn to these bloody spectacles.

"This bill 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.

Introduced by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass) and co-sponsored by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), the measure 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.

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 legislation would make all participation in dogfighting and being a spectator at a dogfight, 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 is a felony; in 4 states 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 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