The Humane Society of the United States Praises Strong
Position
WASHINGTON (May 27, 2004)– Federal legislation that would
increase penalties for violations of animal fighting laws received a
significant boost this week with the endorsement of the Bush
Administration.
In a letter sent to Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT),
Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, speaking on behalf of the Bush
Administration, expresses her support for the enactment of S. 736, the
Federal Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. Senators John Ensign
(R-NV), Wayne Allard (R-CO), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the
legislation in March 2003. The bill has 51 cosponsors. It would amend the
Animal Welfare Act by establishing felony penalties for animal fighting
violations (covering dogfighting and cockfighting) and banning interstate
and foreign commerce in the sharp metal implements – knives and gaffs –
that cockfighters strap to birds’ legs.
A companion bill introduced in the House of
Representatives, H.R. 1532, has 196 cosponsors. Earlier this month,
Representatives Mark Green (R-WI) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA) introduced
H.R. 4264, which would accomplish the same goals by amending Title 18 of
the U.S. Criminal Code and has been referred to the House Judiciary
Committee.
In addition to the Bush Administration endorsement, the
legislation has the support of 158 local police and sheriffs departments
across the country, 55 animal control and humane groups, the American
Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Chicken Council.
“We believe that tougher penalties and prosecution will
help to deter illegal movement of birds as well as the inhumane practice
of cockfighting itself,” wrote Secretary Veneman in the May 24, 2004
letter to Senator Bennett, who chairs the Senate Appropriations
Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development and Related Agencies.
In the letter, Veneman describes the U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s efforts to enforce the current Animal Welfare Act
prohibition on interstate and foreign shipments of animals for the purpose
of fighting. That prohibition, enacted by Congress as part of the 2002
Farm Bill, went into effect in May 2003. Veneman writes that USDA has
worked with “other Federal, State, and local authorities to conduct
investigations and enforce the AWA’s animal fighting provisions.”
“Together with the provisions in the Farm Bill, S. 736
further enhances the ability to prosecute those charged with
animal-fighting violations. We are committed to enforcing the AWA to the
fullest extent of the law,” Veneman explains.
“The bill would also enhance USDA’s ability to safeguard
the health of U.S. poultry against deadly diseases, such as exotic
Newcastle disease and avian influenza,” Veneman indicates. Fighting birds
were “implicated in the introduction and spread of exotic Newcastle
disease in California in 2002-2003, which cost U.S. taxpayers nearly $200
million to eradicate, and cost the U.S. poultry industry many millions
more in lost export market,” she states.
“The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to
the Bush Administration for recognizing the need to have felony level
penalties for dogfighting and cockfighting,” said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS
chief executive officer – designate. “Animal fighting is a barbaric and
gruesome practice that deserves no safe harbor in the United States. We
hope the administration’s strong endorsement will help push the Animal
Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act over the finish line before Congress
adjourns at the end of the year.”
Dogfighting is banned in all 50 states and cockfighting is
banned in 48 states. Only Louisiana and parts of New Mexico allow
legalized cockfighting.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s
largest animal protection organization with more than eight 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 legislation,
litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in
2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the
country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
Media Contact: Rachel Querry (301) 258-8255
E-mail: rquerry@hsus.org
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