Kerry and Boxer praised for dog fighting bill
 July 30, 2007, 5:38 pm (1 year ago)Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer have been praised by the American Humane Association for their efforts to put an end to dog fighting in the United States.
Kerry and Boxer have created and filed an amendment to the Animal Welfare Act which would enable the prosecution of any and all persons involved in, present at or associated with dogfighting -- from spectators to breeders -- while increasing the penalty for those who violate the law.
The persistence of the illegal sport in the United States came to light again recently when professional football player Michael Vick was indicted on dogfighting-related charges.
Allie Phillips, director of public policy for American Humane, said Senators Kerry and Boxer should be applauded for filing the bill so quickly.
She said the need to abolish the sport was reflected by the prompt filing of the bill, and added that it should seal current loopholes in the law.
The bill would improve dog fighting laws by:
• Making it illegal buy, sell, transport or possess fighting dogs.
• Eliminating the existing requirement for prosecutors and agents to prove that one of the dogs crossed state lines to attend the fight.
• Increasing the maximum penalty for dogfighting from three to five years in prison.
• Making it a federal offense to be a spectator at a dogfight.
Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the only national organization in the United States dedicated to protecting both children and animals.
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