WASHINGTON - The
Humane Society of the United States is applauding the Senate for
passing a Farm bill that includes language that is expected to have
a devastating impact on the animal fighting industry in the United
States. The provision, pushed by Senators Wayne Allard (R-CO) and
embraced by Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) and
ranking committee Republican Richard Lugar (R-IN), bars any
interstate shipment of birds for fighting and any export of fighting
dogs or birds. The provision also increases penalties for any
violation of the animal fighting section of the Animal Welfare Act,
doubling current jail time and tripling fines.
The House approved identical language offered on the House floor
on October 4, 2001 by Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Tom
Tancredo (R-CO). Rep. Collin Peterson introduced the original House
anti-cockfighting bill, which has 212 cosponsors.
"The passage of this measure signals the beginning of the end of
the animal fighting industry in the United States," states Wayne
Pacelle, a senior vice president of The Humane Society of the United
States. "Cockfighting is a gruesome and barbaric practice in which
roosters are placed in a pit so they hack each other to death for
the amusement and illegal wagering of spectators, and it practice
should receive no protection under state or federal law. We are
grateful to Senators Allard and Harkin for their leadership and
diligence in working to secure passage of this provision."
"After more than a three-year battle, we have scored a big
victory in the United States Senate, said U.S. Senator Wayne Allard
(R-CO). "As a veterinarian, I view cockfighting as an inherently
cruel and inhumane practice. This provision will enhance the efforts
of law enforcement officials to combat this illegal activity taking
place in their communities."
The HSUS charges that the existing federal law dealing with
animal fighting contains loopholes that undermine enforcement of
bans against cockfighting in 47 states. Cockfighters can claim they
possess birds for shipment to the three legal cockfighting states
and to foreign countries, when, in reality, they intend to stage
illegal cockfights within their own states.
Because the House and Senate approved identical provisions on
animal fighting, the provision should not be subject to further
discussion in the conference committee.
"After the President signs the Farm bill, there will be no excuse
for an individual to possess fighting birds in a state where the
activity is illegal," comments Pacelle.
 |
| Rachel Querry: (301)
258-8255 | | |
