[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 21 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E183-E184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SUPPORT FOR ANIMAL FIGHTING PROHIBITION ENFORCEMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 16, 2006

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 817, 
the Animal

[[Page E184]]

Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. More than 150 local police and 
sheriff's departments have requested this legislation and I am pleased 
that the committee is considering it.
  A few years ago, Congress enacted legislation to tighten Federal law 
and close some loopholes that allowed the barbaric practices of animal 
fighting to thrive nationwide, in spite of bans in virtually every 
State.
  But Congress didn't finish the job. We left in place weak penalties 
that have proven ineffective. Misdemeanor penalties simply don't 
provide a meaningful deterrent. Those involved in animal fighting 
ventures--where thousands of dollars typically change hands in the 
associated gambling activity--consider misdemeanor penalties a ``slap 
on the wrist'' or merely a ``cost of doing business.'' Moreover, we've 
heard from U.S. Attorneys that they are reluctant to pursue animal 
fighting cases with just a misdemeanor penalty.
  In recent years, we have seen a marked rise in the frequency of 
animal fighting arrests in communities across the country. Local police 
and sheriffs are increasingly concerned about animal fighting, not only 
because of the animal cruelty involved, but also because of the other 
crimes that often go hand-in-hand, including illegal gambling, drug 
traffic, and acts of human violence.
  In addition, there are concerns cockfighters spread diseases that 
jeopardize poultry flocks and even public health. We in California 
experienced this first-hand, when cockfighters spread exotic Newcastle 
disease, which was so devastating to many of our poultry producers in 
2002 and 2003. That outbreak cost U.S. taxpayers ``nearly $200 million 
to eradicate, and cost the U.S. poultry industry many millions more in 
lost export markets,'' according to Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman.
  It is time Congress finishes the job and helps State and local law 
enforcement officials who have requested stronger Federal laws to rid 
animal fighting from communities that do not want it.

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