Booker, Kennedy Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Animal Fighting in the US

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced the bipartisan Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act, legislation that would enhance federal enforcement capacity to address dogfighting and cockfighting crimes in the United States. U.S. Representatives Andrea Salinas (D-OR) and Don Bacon (R-NE) introduced the House version of the bill last month. 

Despite being illegal, cockfighting and dogfighting are still rampant across the country. Cockfights are often hubs of violence because of associated illegal activity. Further, cockfighting is a practice that spreads diseases like avian influenza. People handling bloodied birds are at risk of getting infected from them.

Specifically, the FIGHT Act would curb animal fighting through strengthened enforcement, by banning simulcasting and gambling on animal fights in the United States, stopping the shipment of mature roosters through the U.S. mail, and by allowing for the forfeiture of real property if it was used in the commission of an animal fighting crime.

“Animal fighting is cruel, illegal, and unacceptable,” said Senator Booker. “It’s time we take stronger action to stop these heinous abuses against animals and protect them from being exploited for entertainment and profit. This bill will tighten enforcement to put a stop to illegal animal fighting.”

“When it comes to dog and cock fights, these abusers are organized and dangerous—to people as well as innocent animals,” said Senator Kennedy. “It’s illegal to hurt God’s creatures for sport, and our bill would give law enforcement more tools to end this widespread abuse.”

“Every day, countless animals endure horrific violence as people force them to fight for personal gain,” said Representative Salinas. “Cockfighting, dogfighting, and other blood sports are inhumane and unsafe – and Congress must intervene to protect innocent animals from such abuse. That’s why I’m proud to partner with Congressman Bacon as we introduce the FIGHT Act. This bill would strengthen our ability to hold those responsible for illegal animal fighting to account. It’s time to take a stand against cruelty.”

“It’s disgusting and inhumane that people profit off the cruel practice of forcing animals to fight for their lives,” said Representative Bacon. “The FIGHT Act will embolden law enforcement to stop this inhumane and cruel animal abuse. I am thankful to Rep. Salinas for joining me on this legislation.”

“When law enforcement officers bust dogfights or cockfights, we often find a cluster of other criminal behavior: illegal gambling, money laundering, tax evasion, narcotics trafficking, illegal weapons, and more,” said Sheriff (ret) Mike Brown, President Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association. “Stronger laws against animal fighting, with strong enforcement, will only make our communities safer.”

The bill is endorsed by more than 100 organizations, including Animal Wellness Action, the American Gaming Association, and the Rural Sheriffs and Small Law Enforcement Association.

The House bill is cosponsored by: U.S. Representatives Doggett (D-Texas), McGovern (D-Mass.), Sánchez (D-Calif.), Buchanan (R-Fla.), Quigley (D-Ill.), Amodei (R-Nev.), Titus (D-Nev.), Barragán (D-Calif.), Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Gooden (R-Texas), Neguse (D-Colo.), Garcia (R-Calif.), Mace (R-S.C.), Carter (D-La.), Carey (R-Ohio), Crockett (D-Texas), Kean (R-N.J.), Davis (D-NC), Trone (D-MD), Jackson (D-IL), Van Drew (R-N.J.), and Goldman (D-N.Y.).

The full text of the bill can be found here.