Man’s Best Friend has Friends in Louisiana Legislature

May 22, 2008

Bills Establishing Dogfighting Felony Spectator Penalties Approved by Both Chambers; Bill Limiting the Number of Dogs in Puppy Mills Passed by House and Now Moves to Senate

BATON ROUGE, La. — Lawmakers in the state Senate and House sent a clear message this week that dogs are a part of Louisiana families by approving two important canine protection bills. Bills that toughen the penalties for attending a dogfight and limit the number of breeding dogs at abusive puppy mills both passed with unanimous votes.  

"Dogs deserve protection, not to be torn apart in fights for the amusement of spectators, or raised like a cash crop for profiteers" said Julia Breaux, The HSUS's Louisiana state director. "We are grateful to Representatives Morrell and Ritchie for leading the fight to protect man's best friend, and to state lawmakers for cracking down on this cruelty and abuse."

H.B. 286, sponsored by Rep. Jean-Paul Morrell (D, 97) makes being a spectator at a dogfight a felony and was approved by the House unanimously in April, and was met with the same level of approval in the Senate Tuesday. It now awaits Gov. Bobby Jindal's signature.

H.B. 1193, the puppy mill bill introduced by Rep. Harold Ritchie (D, 75), was unanimously approved by the House on Tuesday as well. Puppy mills are factory-style operations where dogs are bred in filthy wire cages, with no socialization or human interaction. The bill would restrict the worst puppy mill abuses by limiting operations to no more than 75 breeding dogs.

The HSUS provided testimony in support of both measures, which also received support from Louisiana animal welfare activists, law enforcement, pet owners and humane organizations.

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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.