Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Sen. Thomas Norment Announce Support of Virginia Anti-Animal Fighting Legislation

January 15, 2008

The HSUS, Richmond SPCA and a coalition of Virginia animal protection organizations seek to increase penalties

RICHMOND, Va. — At a press conference held today at the General Assembly, Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Sen. Thomas Norment Jr. announced their support of  legislation that aims to end animal fighting in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Also speaking in support of the legislation were John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The Humane Society of the United States, and Robin Starr, chief executive officer of the Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.  

H.B. 656, introduced by House Majority Leader H. Morgan Griffith, and S.B. 592, introduced by Sen. Norment, will strengthen Virginia’s animal fighting law by making cockfighting a Class 6 felony, attendance at an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor, and allowing a minor to attend or participate in an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor. 

“Animal fighting has no place in Virginia. Our legislation will help put a stop to this brutal practice and will increase penalties for those who engage in it,” said Attorney General McDonnell. “Our legislation will make it illegal for anyone to attend an animal fight. Those who create the demand for such fights are just as guilty as those who put on the fight. All who play any role in animal fighting in Virginia must be punished to stop this barbaric practice.”  

Animal fighting is associated with illegal gambling, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal guns, and homicides. Firearms and other weapons are common at animal fights, mainly because of the large amounts of cash present. A raid in January 2006 in Mecklenburg County resulted in the arrest of MS13 and Mexican Mafia members by the Department of Homeland Security. Illegal gambling, narcotics and children as young as the age of 4 were present at the pit. 

"The people of Virginia have no tolerance for animal fighting and we need to give law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on this vicious crime," said Sen. Norment.  "Dogfighting and cockfighting are not only cruel practices, but they are often associated with other crimes such as illegal gambling and drug dealing. I am proud to introduce this legislation for the sake of animals, our communities and our children." 

“This animal fighting bill will make clear to animal fighters and to the rest of the country that Virginia leads by honoring its real traditions of kindness, compassion, and decency,” said Starr. 

“If this legislation becomes law, Virginia will be a national leader in passing tough, effective legislation to eradicate cockfighting and dogfighting,” said Goodwin.  

The organizations backing this legislative effort are:  

• The Humane Society of the United States
• Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Virginia Federation of Humane Societies
• Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force
• Virginia Animal Control Association
• Richmond Animal Care & Control
• Virginia Anti-Dogfighting Coalition
• Virginia Poultry Federation
• Virginia Sheriffs' Association
• Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc.

For more information on animal fighting, visit humanesociety.org/animalfighting. 

Broadcast quality footage and animal fighting images are available at video.hsus.org. 

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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.