WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) today praised the U.S. Senate for passing legislation that authorizes felony-level jail time for violations of the federal law on animal fighting (dogfighting, cockfighting, and "hog-dog rodeos"), and prohibits interstate and foreign commerce of cockfighting weapons.
The Senate bill, S. 382, was introduced by Sen. John Ensign (R-NV) with eleven original co-sponsors. The Senate approved the provision unanimously. Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter (R-PA), Ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Republican Conference Chair Rick Santorum (R-PA) played key roles in winning Senate passage. An identical bill in the House, H.R. 817, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-WI) and 70 co-sponsors, is awaiting passage.
The bills amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to upgrade the maximum jail time from the one-year misdemeanor level in current law to felony-level of up to two years. The bills also bar interstate and foreign commerce in the razor-sharp knives and ice-pick-like "gaffs" that are specially designed to be strapped on birds' legs in cockfights. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2005 brings federal law in line with most state laws; dogfighting is now a felony in 48 states and cockfighting in 31.
"As a veterinarian, I believe passage of this bill is a vital step in ending one of the most barbaric practices concerning animals that exists today," said Senator Ensign.
"We commend the Senate for toughening penalties for the barbaric and gruesome practice of animal fighting," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "Misdemeanor penalties are only a 'slap on the wrist' that provide no meaningful deterrent for people who profit from the torment and torture of animals, and the law should provide no refuge for the people who perpetrate these acts of calculated cruelty."
Despite tougher state laws and a dramatic recent increase in the number of animal fighting raids by state and local authorities, the animal fighting industry has continued to thrive across the United States. It is fueled by high-stakes illegal gambling, and is often associated with illegal drug trafficking and acts of human violence. Numerous nationally-circulated magazines promote the cruel practices of dog fighting and cockfighting, and advertise fighting animals and the specialized weapons of animal fighting. More than 200 state and local sheriffs departments have called on Congress to enact the felony legislation so the federal government can be a more active partner in their efforts to keep animal fighting outside their borders.
"I am pleased that the United States Senate has been able to pass this bill so expeditiously," said Senator Specter. "This legislation will provide federal prosecutors with the tools they need to pursue animal fighting cases. The effort to provide federal animal fighting prohibitions has been endorsed by more than 200 local police and sheriffs departments across the country, as well as organizations like The Humane Society of the United States, which has played a major role in advancing this legislation."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Chicken Council (which represents 95 percent of U.S. poultry producers and processors) have also endorsed the legislation, citing humane concerns as well as concerns about disease transmission. Cockfighting was a key factor in the spread of a fatal poultry illness – Exotic Newcastle Disease – that cost the government nearly $200 million to contain during a 2002-2003 outbreak. Cockfighting has also been linked to the deaths of several children in Asia who were exposed through cockfighting activity to bird flu in 2004.
Animal fighting is a cruel practice in which animals are drugged to heighten their aggression and forced to keep fighting even after they've suffered grievous injuries. Children are often brought to these cruel spectacles and taught to enjoy the "entertainment." Some dogfighters steal pets to use as bait for training their dogs; some allow trained dogs to roam neighborhoods and endanger the public.
"Dogfighting and cockfighting are despicable activities in which animals are forced to keep fighting even after they've suffered serious injuries," said Senator Santorum. "Animal fighting is almost always associated with illegal gambling, and often involves illegal drug traffic and violence. I am pleased that my Senate colleagues have passed this important legislation which will prevent these abusive and barbaric activities."
"This is a new law enforcement tool that also sends the strong message that this cruelty is wrong, and the American people firmly believe that it cannot be tolerated," said Senator Leahy.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly nine million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
