Senate Votes to Criminalize Animal Fight Attendance

Thursday, June 28, 2012 - 10:15am
dog in crate

Great news for animals nationwide! On June 21, the U.S. Senate took a huge step toward strengthening federal laws against animal fighting by approving the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which had been a stand-alone bill in the Senate (S. 1947), as part of that chamber’s version of the Farm Bill.

This humane measure would make it a federal offense to knowingly attend an organized animal fight and would impose additional penalties for bringing children to animal fights. Violators would face up to one year in prison for attending a fight, and up to three years in prison for bringing or causing a minor to attend.

While organized animal fighting is a federal crime and is illegal in all 50 states, the issue of spectators at these events has not been fully addressed on the federal level—and laws against spectatorship vary from state to state.

“This measure would help law enforcement by allowing them to pursue and punish the spectators who drive the market for animal fighting,” says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations. “Furthermore, children need protection from the spectacle of animal fighting, as well as its dangerous and illegal associated activities, including drugs, weapons and gambling.”

In order for the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act to become law, the U.S. House must add the same language it its version of the Farm Bill, which is still being crafted. The Farm Bill is expected to be finalized by the end of summer.

For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to tackle animal fighting, please join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade.

Tags: 
Advocacy
Dog Fighting
Humane Law Enforcement

Comments

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 23:47 — Brenda Tucker (Visitor)
This humane measure would make it a federal offense to knowingly attend an organized animal fight and would impose additional penalties for bringing children to animal fights. Violators would face up to one year in prison for attending a fight, and up to three years in prison for bringing or causing a minor to attend. While organized animal fighting is a federal crime and is illegal in all 50 states, the issue of spectators at these events has not been fully addressed on the federal level—and laws against spectatorship vary from state to state. “This measure would help law enforcement by allowing them to pursue and punish the spectators who drive the market for animal fighting,” says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations. “Furthermore, children need protection from the spectacle of animal fighting, as well as its dangerous and illegal associated activities, including drugs, weapons and gambling.” In order for the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act to become law, the U.S. House must add the same language it its version of the Farm Bill, which is still being crafted. The Farm Bill is expected to be finalized this summer.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:25 — LL (Visitor)
Such great news that the creeps that do and watch dog fighting will go to jail where they belong!!!! Victory for animals that need our voice to stop the pain sick people put them through.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 21:49 — Linda (Visitor)
Not in jail long enough! But it is progress!

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 21:33 — Astrid Murrison (Visitor)
They all should pay for Vet Bill and their entire asset taking from them and for the money Help all animal in need. And a law to have all Dogs and Cats to be Sterilized To many Dogs and Cat are Killed in Animal Shelter, and there are too many Horses is also been bread for Horse Racing. All this go down to $$$$$$$$ this is to be Selfish, Heartless, Cruel and Money Hungry…………. Cree Indian Prophecy!!! Only After the Last Tree Has Been Cut Down, Only After the Last River Has Been Poisoned, Only After the Last Fish Has Been Caught, Only After we the Human has Kill all the Animal Only After the Greedy Human Has Destroy the Earths Beauty Only Then They Will Find That MONEY Cannot Be EATEN To The Selfish and Greedy and Money Hungry Human. Some HUMAN is not happy before they have Destroyed everything in their pass. Sad but thru… They have forgotten that God Created the Earth and the entire University all Living Thing and it Beauty. Don’t Forgot that One Day We All have to face or Creator!!!!! I wonder what some HUMAN has to say too or Creator! Just to save their ASS…..

Fri, 08/10/2012 - 16:52 — Max Thode (Visitor)
The goons responsible for the inhumane treatment of beautiful animals should be sentenced to the same fate they inflicted on the animal. Bad food, no food, heat, cold, dirty water, no water, etc. is not too bad for these jerks.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:25 — Barbara Boltz (Visitor)
Wonderful, making it a Federal Offense is a blessing for the animals

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 11:11 — ant animallover (Visitor)
bout time

Thu, 07/26/2012 - 11:11 — ant animallover (Visitor)
bout time

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:25 — Barbara Boltz (Visitor)
Wonderful, making it a Federal Offense is a blessing for the animals

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:18 — Elvia (Visitor)
I'm so glad to hear the government is stepping in for Animal Fighting Spectator Act because the spectators are just as guilty because their are sitting their watching animals get hurt and not doing anything about. This is a great start and I feel that penalties should be much harder just like the people arranging these fights are ruthless on these defenseless animals causing the animals much pain and the spectators are also a big part of the pain to these animals by them attending they are promoting this behavior. If the punishment is harder people will hopefully realize that there exist people that really take this serious and how severe it is to inflict pain on any other living creatures. For the people that are a part of this cruelty they get off easy, they should be put in a ring to fight see how they like it. Let's work on getting the penalties to be much stiffer.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 14:51 — Jeanne (Visitor)
Well said - and I agree!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 15:04 — Ken (Visitor)
I really hope English is not your native language.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 16:26 — Vern (Visitor)
I hope that the writer's compassion and thirst for justice will become a Universal language spoken by everyone.

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 17:09 — Don't Be Mean (Visitor)
What matters is that everyone understands what the author meant. But grammar or whatever doesn't matter, if he/she's understood. I for one understood the author's words and passion, but I want warn everyone that we should be careful if we choose to inflict punishment on others, because if we go too far, then WE will become just like them-- the innocent will become the persecutors, and the persecutors will become the new innocent. It is a warning for all walks of life, not just animal cruelty. --- Kindness has always been, and will always be, the best policy- And I hope that those who dwell in darkness and seek to harm or hurt others, will one day learn of kindness and see the light, and from then on, Live by it. -Love and Peace Everyone! :)

Tue, 07/03/2012 - 07:09 — Kennedy (Visitor)
What should we do to those that bring this horrible cruelty to these dogs give them hugs? The fact of the matter is that we as humans are cruel. We are dark. We are capable of unspeakable things. These people need to be punished and they need to be punished well! They should feel the pain that they inflict on these helpless animals. I can wish this and go on to love others that do not do things like this. Wishing them to be punished is not going to wreck my soul.

Tue, 07/03/2012 - 07:04 — Lisa (Visitor)
I really hope that one day you will grow up and focus on the subject at hand and leave others alone about their english! On another note. This isn't nearly enough punishment for the filth that attend and enjoy these fights, but it's a start!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:25 — Elvia (Visitor)
Let's be Proactive and write letters to the House to urge them to follow through with this Prohibition Act and write to all our political leaders to make changes where changes need to be made to protect all the defenseless creatures.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:38 — Elvia (Visitor)
OH YA AND ALONG WITH STIFFER PENALTIES, EVERYBODY PARTICIPATING IN THESE FIGHTS SHOULD ALSO BE HANDED A HUGE FINE THAT CAN GO TO HELPING ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO SAVE ANIMALS AGAINST ABUSE AND TO CREATE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES THAT WILL HANDLE LOOKING FOR THESE CASES OF ABUSE. WE NEED TO SPEAK UP AND WRITE TO OUR POLITICAL LEADERS AS I PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 14:20 — mae (Visitor)
I think this is a wonderful idea! :) Fines would definitely help animal shelters and ASPCA..

Mon, 07/02/2012 - 07:53 — gary odonnell (Visitor)
no child or minor should ever be subjected to this! the fine money could be well used in animal care

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 12:09 — Patricia Rios (Visitor)
I agree with you! I beleive that the fines that this humans get are to donated back to the ASPCA & other orginizations so they can use the money to hire more people who care for animals cause we are there voice! God gave us domaine over all creatures!

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 17:19 — Hug life (Visitor)
Yes! I love your idea. A fine would be perfect, just like you mentioned, it can be put to use to help animals. <br /> I think that it's also a good idea to have the people involved pay for the animals' medical and phycological trauma expenses. <br /> Ok Peace. See ya :).

Wed, 09/05/2012 - 10:44 — Valerie (Visitor)
What an great idea. Lets hit the bystanders hard in the wallet! 15,000 dollars would go a long way to help another organization and the bystanders deserve it just for being there and doing nothing.

Sat, 06/30/2012 - 04:42 — Nancy Worsham (Visitor)
I hope all of your employees and volunteers feel proud about this progress for animal rights. Keep up the great work!

Fri, 07/06/2012 - 15:15 — Melissa (Visitor)
It is about time!! So happy to hear that we slowly moving in the right direction for animal rights. WE have to be their voice because they can not stand up for themselves. Animal cruelty needs to end!!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 09:18 — Roz Gregor (Visitor)
THank God, THank God, Thank God --praying hard that the House will follow through! And, Oh, well done! Very well done --

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:12 — natercia furtado (Visitor)
i agree w u 100%!!!!!!!! thank u God!! we need to stand up & protect these poor helpess animals!!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 09:18 — Roz Gregor (Visitor)
THank God, THank God, Thank God --praying hard that the House will follow through! And, Oh, well done! Very well done --

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 09:26 — Laura (Visitor)
Could ASPCA provide a link in these advocacy articles so that readers might be sent directly to their Congressperson/Senator (as indicate by our zip code) to encourage their vote of support? Thank you so very much for all that you do!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:49 — Carolyn (Visitor)
This is a great idea. More people would write if they had easy access to the contact information for their congress people. I looked up all of my Federal and State representives once, plus certain State detp. heads and it took a long time to get all the info together.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 18:42 — Judith Guertin (Visitor)
I think providing the names of the congressperson's who will be voting on this bill would go a long way in helping people express their feelings on this issue. This will surely help it pass!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 09:27 — Tammy Gossard (Visitor)
Make it a federal offense attending and will fully organizing a animal fighting event and ALSO the spectators.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 09:49 — Zuli (Visitor)
Thank God!, it was long overdue!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:00 — judy johnston (Visitor)
ie them so longm so happy why did it take them so long thank god

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:06 — Bruce (Visitor)
A great move to protect these poor animals and stop this terrible act/practice. The use of arrest and imprisonment will cut off attendance and therefore betting;and places will shut down/not open. "Cut off the food and the body dies!"

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:06 — Mrs. Betty Racc... (Visitor)
Finally,a bill that would make it a federal offense to attend an animal fight. This is a big step in attempting to stop organized animal fighting. This is a cruel and useless sport. Animals are hurt and killed in this sport (which really is not a sport at all). Children learn from what they are exposed to. Adding addition penalities for bringing children to these events is a necessary addition to this bill. A bill that is LONG OVERDO! Thanks for protecting our animals.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:12 — Suzanne Rice (Visitor)
YES! Very well done! Amen!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:18 — natercia (Visitor)
When courts start making examples of out ppl,only then will they think twice about their actions.Its time that these ppl get punished for these horrible actions of violence towards these animals.Wether its cockfighting,dogfighting,etc.... the punishments should be severe.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:20 — Cynthia Varakian (Visitor)
You want to see a fight....put me in a room with these heartless victimizers for 5 minutes

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:27 — Lynn Winchester (Visitor)
thank you on behalf of all the animals suffering and that have suffered keep up the good work

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:24 — Jaime Perez (Visitor)
Thank God! It's about time that spectators face criminal charges as well. With no one to watch and bet, what's the use of fighting dogs? Take away the audience, and you have no purpose. What a wonderful victory for animals. Keep up the valiant work ASPCA.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:32 — Barbara (Visitor)
It is about time things change for the dogs who fight. Those poor dogs do not need to end up like that. Those dogs are not meant for fighting and it is a sport that no one should attend or see. It is horrible. There should not be allowed dog fighting anywhere. Those dogs do not deserve to be fought like that. They are suppose to be pets not fighting machines. They are not bred for that. Those people should be put away for a very long time. People are afraid of pitbills because of this. It is wrong how people mistreat animals. No animal should be mistreated like that. There is to much animal abuse going on. This all needs to end and stay that way.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:40 — Steve (Visitor)
Hooray!! It's time to put these sick people who watch this horror away..Now all we have to do is put the scumbags who run the shows away for a lot longer.. God bless the animals with this victory..

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 10:52 — Ellen (Visitor)
oh thank the powers above! this has been a long time coming and I so hope to see it passed! I realize not all perpetrators will be caught but hopefully this will send a powerful message to all involved!

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 11:24 — Beverly Morrow (Visitor)
I am assuming that this ruling would include cock fighting as well. right???

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 11:25 — westdeltagirl (Visitor)
Wondering if this would extend to those who watch animal abuse and do nothing to stop it?

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 11:48 — Johanna Sena (Visitor)
BRAVO! how can we help make this happen? is there anything else we can do to make this a law?

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:07 — Paula (Visitor)
This needs to be, animal abuse is rampant all over the world and has escalated in the U.S.A. Now here is a suggestion, all those Federal Terrorist Prisons that I have been hearing about they are setting up...how about putting these animal terrorist in those prisons and let them live with each other for a while. Just a suggestion.

Sun, 07/01/2012 - 20:26 — Mrs. B. (Visitor)
Interesting idea. However, ruthless punishment might bring us down to their level. There should be intensive mandated programs that teach these criminals to love, to cherish and to feel that they would "fight to the death" to protect all animals.

Fri, 06/29/2012 - 12:25 — Sharon (Visitor)
Up to one year is NOT enough! They supposedly strengthened the federal law. What punishment was dealt to them before(?) a verbal "no no"? Up to a year in jail. What a joke. Give them a minimum of 5yrs in a federal prison!

Pages

Post new comment