animal fighting

Tell Your Legislators to Support the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act

On the first day of the 110th Congress, a bill designed to help law enforcement crack down on animal fighting was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-MD). U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), John Ensign (R-NV), Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) introduced a parallel bill in the Senate the following week.

The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (H.R. 137 & S. 261) would make it a felony to transport an animal across state or international borders for animal fighting. It would prohibit the interstate and foreign commerce in knives and gaffs designed for use in cockfighting.

Animals in staged fights are pumped full of drugs and forced to keep fighting even after suffering severe injuries such as gouged eyes and pierced lungs. Authorities recognize that animal fighting is an interstate industry ? often associated with other crimes such as illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and acts of human violence, as well as public health threats like bird flu ? that requires the federal government's help to curb.

Take Action
It is critical that you make a short, polite phone call to your legislators right now. Click here to look up your legislators' contact information. Your legislators need to hear from concerned citizens like you that want stronger penalties for illegal animal fighting. All you have to say is:

"Hello, my name is (your name) and I am a constituent from [your city]. I strongly support the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act (H.R. 137/S. 261), and I respectfully urge you to support this critical piece of legislation and finally get it enacted. This bill is endorsed by animal protection groups, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and law enforcement agencies across the country. It's time to pass this legislation and fight back against the underground animal fighting industry. Thank you."

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