[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 2 (Friday, January 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE ANIMAL PROHIBITION ACT OF 2007

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 4, 2007

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, today I reintroduce the Animal Fighting 
Prohibition Act to address the brutal, inhumane practice of animal 
fighting, something I have been trying to federally criminalize for the 
past several Congresses.
  A few years ago, Congress enacted legislation to tighten federal law 
and close some loopholes that were allowing 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've seen a marked rise in the frequency of animal 
fighting busts 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 
trafficking, and acts of human violence. Furthermore, there is an 
inherent danger for the children of animal fighters to be close to 
these animals.
  There is the additional concern that 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 former Agriculture Secretary Ann 
Veneman. Cockfighting has been identified as the major contributor of 
the spread of avian flu throughout Thailand and other parts of Asia, 
where the strain originated. Many of the humans who contracted avian 
flu and died from it contracted it from fighting birds. Experts say 
it's just a matter of time before it reaches our shores.
  It is time Congress finishes the job and helps state and local law 
enforcement officials who have requested a strengthening of federal 
laws to rid animal fighting from communities that do not want it.
  This legislation makes violations of federal animal fighting law a 
felony punishable by up to three years in prison, makes it a felony to 
transport an animal across state or international borders for the 
purpose of animal fighting, and prohibits the interstate and foreign 
commerce in knives and gaffs designed for use in cockfighting.
  In the past, this legislation has been endorsed by nearly 400 law 
enforcement organizations, 110 animal control and humane organizations, 
and a number of industry organizations as well, and I expect to have 
their support again. The Animal Fighting Prohibition Act of 2006 had 
324 cosponsors and was passed through the Senate by unanimous consent. 
I ask my colleagues to support this legislation so we can end the 
deplorable practice of animal fighting and all of the destructive 
behavior associated with it.

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