L.A. County District Attorney and The HSUS Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program

March 27, 2008

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a joint press conference today, they announced that The HSUS is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting, and encouraged anyone with information to call the Los Angeles tip line: 211.

"District Attorney Cooley is an admirable advocate for animals and the people of Los Angeles County should be proud," said Eric Sakach, West Coast Regional Office director for The HSUS. "We are grateful for his support in the effort to crack down on criminals who engage in cruel acts against animals under the guise of 'sport.'"

In October 2007, Cooley and Deputy District Attorney Deborah Knaan received a Humane Law Enforcement Award from The HSUS and the National District Attorneys Association for spearheading a model program to combat animal cruelty in L.A. County.

"We think an increased awareness of this cruel so-called sport will help Animal Cruelty Task Force investigators in their efforts to uncover what is believed to be a pervasive underground animal fighting business in Los Angeles County," said District Attorney Steve Cooley. "Animal fighting not only promotes the mistreatment and killing of animals, it also makes communities vulnerable to byproduct crimes such as illegal gambling, assault, drugs and weapons. It is also widely recognized that those who abuse animals are more likely to engage in violence against humans."   

In 2006, California state lawmakers passed a bill by Sen. Nell Soto, D-Ontario, upgrading the anti-cockfighting law to provide felony penalties for a second or subsequent offense. And in 2007, the U.S. Congress passed legislation authored by Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Thousand Oaks, making it a federal felony to engage in interstate dogfighting and cockfighting activities. 

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, often involve 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. 

-30-

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.