Exposing the Dark Reality of Animal Fighting: Why the FIGHT Act Must Pass Now

A Call to End the Brutal Spectacle of Animal Fighting

In a world where the bond between humans and animals is often celebrated, there exists a dark and brutal reality that demands our urgent attention and action: animal fighting. This cruel practice, particularly involving dogs and roosters, represents one of the most senseless forms of animal cruelty, where innocent creatures are forced into violent confrontations for human entertainment and profit.

Dog fighting, for instance, is a clandestine blood sport with ties to organized crime and illegal gambling, resulting in severe injuries and often death for the animals involved. Despite being outlawed in all 50 states, animal fighting persists, driven by a network of breeders, trainers, and spectators who profit from the suffering of these animals.

An estimated tens of thousands of individuals participate in dogfighting nationwide, impacting hundreds of thousands of dogs. Shockingly, while 92% of people polled said they would report suspected dogfighting, only about half of them actually do so, revealing a significant gap between intent and action in combating this form of cruelty ​(ASPCA).

The Suffering of Dogs and Roosters

The orchestrated battles of dogs and roosters are not only a violation of animal rights but also a stain on our collective humanity. Dogs, known for their loyalty and emotional depth, are reduced to mere tools in a blood sport that disregards their intrinsic value as living beings. These animals endure a life of chains, confinement, aggression training, and repeated fights until they are either killed in the ring or discarded when they can no longer perform. Female dogs are subjected to relentless breeding, their offspring destined to continue this cycle of torment if they prove to be "successful" fighters.

Dogs endure a life of chains, aggression, and repeated fights until they are either killed or discarded when they can no longer perform. Image by Amy from Pixabay

Cockfighting is another significant underground industry in the United States, with millions of birds bred for combat. This gruesome spectacle involves attaching sharp weapons to the birds' legs, transforming them into instruments of death for the amusement and gambling of spectators. Despite federal prohibitions, cockfighting remains widespread, especially in U.S. territories, where local resistance and cultural arguments have been used to defend it.

However, the economic benefits of cockfighting have been wildly exaggerated, and the practice poses significant public health risks, including the spread of diseases like avian influenza. For instance, the illegal movement of fighting birds has contributed to major outbreaks of virulent Newcastle Disease, with containment efforts costing over $1 billion and leading to the deaths of more than 16 million birds. Cockfighting not only brutalizes animals but also contributes to public health crises​ (Center for a Humane Economy).

Recent violent incidents, such as the murder of a referee at an illegal cockfight in Miami, a person shot at a cockfight in Dallas, and two people killed and three wounded at a cockfight in Hawaii, underscore the ongoing criminal activities associated with animal fighting. These events highlight the dangerous environment fostered by cockfighting, which is often linked to organized crime, including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and other violent crimes.

Fighting Game Cock Farm: Roosters must be caged and tethered separately or the birds will fight to the death. Photos courtesy of Animal Wellness Action

Legislative Action: The FIGHT Act

In response to the pervasive cruelty of animal fighting, the Center for a Humane Economy has championed the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act. Sponsored by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) in the House, and Senators John Kennedy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) in the Senate, this bipartisan legislation (H.R. 2742 and S. 1529) aims to bolster existing laws and introduce new tools to combat the entrenched issue of animal fighting. Historically, enforcement has been challenging due to the clandestine nature of these activities and their ties to organized crime.

The FIGHT Act seeks to address these challenges by halting the transport of mature roosters through U.S. mail, banning simulcasting and gambling on animal fights, enhancing forfeiture laws to include properties used in these crimes, and empowering private citizens to take legal action against illegal animal fighters. These measures not only target the direct perpetrators but also aim to dismantle the broader networks that support animal fighting.

The FIGHT Act has garnered substantial support, with endorsements from 718 agencies and organizations, positioning it as the most bipartisan and widely backed animal welfare bill in Congress. Notable supporters include the National Sheriffs’ Association, which prioritizes the FIGHT Act and acknowledges the violent nature of animal fighting, highlighting its connections to crimes such as child abuse, murder, assault, theft, and human trafficking.” The National District Attorneys Association also backs the legislation, alongside the American Gaming Association and the United Egg Producers, reflecting a broad coalition committed to combating this issue.

Despite challenges from local politicians in U.S. territories, federal courts have closed legal loopholes by rejecting all claims against the 2018 amendments to the Agricultural Improvement Act, which applied animal fighting prohibitions to territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. This reinforces the need for national enforcement to stop animal fighting both in the states and U.S. territories. The Act's implementation could significantly reduce related criminal activities and improve public health by preventing the spread of diseases associated with animal fighting.

Taking Action

As we move forward, it is imperative that we engage with our lawmakers, support organizations dedicated to animal welfare, and raise awareness about the realities of animal fighting. Together, we can dismantle this inhumane industry and ensure a future where all animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.

Call to Action:

1. Contact Your Representatives: Reach out to your national lawmakers to express your support for the FIGHT Act. Encourage them to co-sponsor and vote in favor of this crucial legislation. You can Find Your Representative here and your U.S. Senator here. This legislation is the most bipartisan of all of the 70 or so animal welfare bills in Congress this session. Take a few minutes to contact and encourage your representatives to move this bill in both the House (H.R. 2742) and Senate (S. 1529) this year. 

2. Support Animal Welfare Organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations that are actively working to end animal fighting, such as Animal Wellness Action or the Center for a Humane Economy.

3. Raise Awareness: Share information about the realities of animal fighting with your community. Use social media, local events, and educational campaigns to spread the word.

4. Report Suspected Animal Fighting: If you suspect animal fighting activities in your area, report them to local law enforcement or animal control agencies. Your vigilance can help save animals from cruelty.

5. Educate Yourself and Others: Visit the "Animal Fighting is the Pits" and “EndCockfighting” campaigns for more information on how you can help and join the fight against this egregious form of cruelty.

By taking these steps, you can play a vital role in the fight against animal fighting and help create a more humane world for all creatures.

Disclaimer:

The mention of any organization in this article is solely for informational purposes. I do not receive any financial benefit or compensation from promoting any organization.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks. He is available for consultations at animalpolitics8@gmail.com