The Humane Society of the United States Urges Swift Enactment of Animal Fighting Law
The Humane Society of the United States applauds Georgia state lawmakers for passing H.B. 301 to toughen the state's laws to combat dogfighting. The legislation to upgrade the anti-dogfighting law was supported by Rep. Bobby Reese, R-Sugar Hill, and Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock. It now awaits House concurrence, and if enacted, will strengthen the state's animal fighting laws by increasing the penalties for dogfighting, banning the posession of fighting dogs, and making it a crime to be a spectator at a dogfight.
"We applaud the Georgia Senate for passing this important dogfighting bill," said Cheryl McAuliffe, Georgia state director for The HSUS. "The Humane Society of the United States now urges that this anti-crime measure is quickly sent to Gov. Perdue's desk for his signature, thereby giving our state's law enforcement agencies the tools that they need to stamp out this cruel blood sport."
Dogfighting is a felony in Georgia. Under S.B. 301, the penalties for dogfighting would consist of a minimum fine of $5,000 or one to five years in prison. Additionally, the bill will make it illegal to be a spectator at a dogfight as well as outlaw having a person own, breed, purchase, or transport a dog for the purpose of fighting or baiting.
In an updated HSUS ranking of the nation's state dogfighting laws, Georgia is currently positioned last. The increased penalties will be effective as soon as Gov. Purdue signs H.B. 301 and will rank Georgia among the top in strong dogfighting laws.
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.
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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.
