Update: The Farm Bill initially passed by Congress included this anti-animal fighting bill. President George W. Bush vetoed the Bill, but both the House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to override the veto.

This new law means there is now effectively a federal ban on dog fighting. For more on this landmark legislation, read Animal Law Coalition's original report below.

Original report:  In the wake of Michael Vick's conviction and sentencing on crimes related to the operation of a dog fighting operation, the U.S. Senate has passed as part of the Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007 (Farm bill) the Dog Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act.

This proposed measure basically brings to bear the power of the federal government to fight, well, dog fighting. This law would amend the Animal Welfare Act, 7 U.S.C. 2156, to make it a federal crime to participate in, sponsor or attend a dog fight.

It would be illegal to sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive dogs or their offspring or other animals for fighting.

Under the bill dog fighting means a fight between at least 2 animals including one dog, and involves sport, gambling or entertainment. So, the bill would also apply to hog dog fighting and baiting where an animal, usually a cat, rabbit, small dog, sometimes a stolen pet, is used to train or warm up the fighting dog.

The penalties include up to five years in prison. Sens. John Kerry (D-MA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) sponsorsed the bill. 

Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) introduced the same bill in the House where there are 33 co-sponsors. Click here to find out if your representative is a co-sponosr.

This anti-dog fighting measure goes further than the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act signed into law this past spring. This proposed law eliminates any requirement the dogs must be moved in interstate or foreign commerce and also applies to those who attend dog fights. It also makes it illegal to possess, train or breed dogs for fighting.

That new law which is currently in effect, created felony penalties including up to 3 years in prison for any interstate or foreign sale, purchase, transfer, delivery or receipt of animals for fighting purposes. Under that law it is illegal to sponsor or exhibit animals moved in interstate or foreign commerce in fighting ventures and to use the mails to promote such events. Click here for a copy of the current law.

Let's help state and local authorities by make this horrific "bloodsport" a federal crime. The Senate bill now goes to a conference committee to be reconciled with the rest of the Farm bill with the House version. Copies of the bills are in Animal Law Coalition's Pending Bills.