The Humane Society Legislative Fund expresses its thanks to U.S. Congressmen Robert Dold and Joe Walsh for co-sponsoring a bill to crack down on illegal dogfighting and cockfighting. They are advocating for the passage of H.R. 2492, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, which would make it a federal crime to attend a dogfight or cockfight, and a felony offense to bring a child to an animal fight.
A three-year study by the Chicago Police Department found that 70 percent of animal offenders had also been arrested for other felonies, including domestic and aggravated battery, illegal drug trafficking and sex crimes. That pattern of behavior is undoubtedly one reason the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police and more than 280 law enforcement agencies from across the country support this bill to quash illegal dogfighting and cockfighting, and forbid adults from bringing children to these spectacles of violence.
Animal welfare supporters are grateful to Congressmen Dold and Walsh for fighting against animal cruelty and standing up for the values of kindness and compassion.
— Michael Markarian, President, Humane Society Legislative Fund, Washington
