WASHINGTON—The Humane Society of the United States applauds Governor Mitt Romney for signing a bill today that gives Massachusetts law enforcement more leverage to crack down on the "blood sports" of dog fighting and cockfighting. The bill, H. 1765, by Rep. Louis L. Kafka (D-Eighth Norfolk), makes provisions to strengthen Massachusetts' felony animal fighting law.
"This long overdue measure will finally give the state's law enforcement officers the tools they need to combat animal fighting at every level," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "The seriousness of this crime calls for a serious response, and closing the existing loophole that allowed dogs to be bred, sold and transported for this purpose will no doubt translate into more convictions for this heinous activity."
Illegal animal fighting is problem in Massachusetts. In July 2006, four people were arrested in Lawrence, Mass. on charges including promoting animal fighting, animal cruelty and assault and battery. The police suspected they were training dogs for fighting.
H. 1765 clarifies that law enforcement officers are authorized to seize paraphernalia used or intended to be used for animal fighting as well as animals being bred to fight. In addition, this legislation will prevent abused animals from being returned to owners who are convicted of animal abuse. H. 1765 also requires an owner to provide minimal veterinary care when an animal is knowingly, obviously and unjustifiably suffering.
Dog fighting and cockfighting are among the most egregious forms of animal cruelty known to society. Animal fighting events are also common venues for other illegal activities, including gambling, the use and sale of illegal drugs and firearms and other forms of violence.
"Dog fighting has infested many of our major cities in recent years," added Pacelle. "This new law will take aim at this barbaric practice which leaves an untold number of dogs maimed or killed animals in its wake."
The enacted legislation was supported by The HSUS, Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Rescue League of Boston, and Grey2K USA. The groups had gathered more than 150,000 signatures of Massachusetts voters to place the Dog Protection Act, which included provisions to strengthen the law against dog fighting, on the statewide ballot, but voters were denied the chance to decide the issue when the Supreme Judicial Court struck the measure from the ballot.
-30-
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
