Animal Fighting
Animal Groups Create Nation's First Dog Fighting Database
by Amy Abern, Executive Editor, tailsinc.com
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), and the Louisiana SPCA (LA/SPCA) have created Canine CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the nation's first criminal dogfighting DNA database. The system was developed to help the criminal justice system investigate and prosecute dogfighting cases.
TN Bans Violent Felons from Having Vicious or Potentially Vicious Dogs
The Tennessee House of Representatives has by a vote of 88-4 concurred in a Senate amendment to H.B. 238. Under the amended version, it is a Class A misdemeanor for a person convicted of a violent felony to own, possess, or have custody or control of a vicious dog or a potentially vicious dog.
Hawaii Legislature to "Honor" Cockfighting?
The resolutions to honor cock fighting did not progress further this legislative session.
Update March 31, 2010: The Hawaii House of Representatives Tourism, Culture and International Committee has passed this resolution! The resolution, HCR 277/HR 199, has been sent back to this committee, however.
The Real Work of Stopping Animal Fighting
The effort to strengthen animal fighting laws, to give law enforcement and prosecutors the tools to go after those who would so cruelly torture dogs and other animals, continues in the 2010 legislative session.
What Happened to "Genuine Remorse"?
Update Aug. 14: The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Michael Vick to a one year contract for $1.6 million with an option for a 2nd year for $5.2 million.
More Proposed Dog Fighting Laws ....Update
Update April 1, 2010: The Hawaii and Massachusetts bills did not pass.
Real Efforts Made to Stop Cockfighting: Update in OH
While Michael Vick has returned to playing professional football and even starred in his own reality show, state governments have continued to build during the 2009-2010 session on 2008 gains in giving law enforcement the tools needed to deter or stop animal fighting crimes like his.
Can We Work Together to Find Solutions in the Wake of the North Carolina Tragedy?
Update: Since the decision of a Wilkes County, North Carolina judge that 127 dogs including puppies must be euthanized, there has been increasing outrage in the animal welfare community.
Most of that anger has been directed at the Humane Society of the United States because its employees offered opinions at a court hearing held to determine the fate of the dogs, that these were champion fighters, dangerous, and even the puppies showed aggression. HSUS told the court the dogs had been bred for aggression.
2009 Kicks Off with More Efforts to Stop Animal Fighting!
The fight to stop animal fighting continues in 2009. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has signed a bill that increases penalties for spectators at animal fights from one month in jail and a $250 fine to 2 ½ years in the house of correction or 5 years in the state prison or a $1000 fine or both a fine and prison term. ALM GL ch. 272, §95
Texas Authorities Take Dog Fighting Seriously, but the Victims Pay the Ultimate Price
Texas authorities announced last week they had broken up what was described as "one of the largest dogfighting rings" in the United States.
Following a seventeen month long investigation a grand jury returned indictments against 55 people.
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