TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Attorney General Bill McCollum and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dogfighting in Florida. At a joint press conference held today at the state Capitol, 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.
Laura Bevan, southeast regional director for The HSUS spoke on behalf of the national animal protection organization. Also taking part in the press conference were Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell, John Calhoun of Animal Services Center of Tallahassee, and Richard Ziegler, representing Leon County Animal Control and the Florida Animal Control Association.
"Animal fighting is a violent crime that at times is associated with illegal gangs, drugs, firearms and gambling, and I am pleased to announce this reward program as an important combative tool," McCollum said. "Florida will have no tolerance for people who abuse animals for entertainment."
Dogfighting and cockfighting are both third degree felonies in Florida, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and/or a maximum $5,000 fine. In 2007, authorities investigated at least 25 cases of animal fighting — literally from one end of the state to the other, with open investigations from Pensacola to Key West. Hundreds of dogs, birds and other animals were found dead or injured.
"Floridians are fortunate to have a champion against animal fighting in Attorney General McCollum," Bevan said. "We're proud to partner with him on this important program to help put animal fighters behind bars."
Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions
If you have information about illegal animal fighting in Florida, you may call The HSUS at 202-452-1100. Additionally, The HSUS has partnered with the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers programs allow callers to remain completely anonymous and still be eligible for a cash reward. A list of Florida's Crime Stoppers organizations can be found on the FACS website: floridacrimestoppers.com.
About Dogfighting:
- Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
- 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.
- Breeding and transporting fighting roosters for cockfighting is implicated in the spread of diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, which can decimate the poultry industry.
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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.
