Lafayette Reporter

Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have reintroduced the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act to strengthen national laws against animal fighting. The aim is to provide additional tools to law enforcement and citizens to combat cockfighting and dogfighting.

Senator Kennedy remarked, "Those engaging in dog and cock fights are abusive, organized and dangerous—and their heinous behavior must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. It’s illegal to abuse God’s creatures for sport, and this bill would give law enforcement crucial tools to end this cruel practice."

Senator Booker added, "Animal fighting is cruel, illegal, and unacceptable. It’s time we take stronger action to stop these heinous abuses against animals and protect them from being exploited for entertainment and profit. This bill will tighten enforcement to put a stop to illegal animal fighting."

Despite the criminalization of these activities, cockfighting and dogfighting remain prevalent across the U.S. Cockfights can become violent hubs, often accompanied by illegal activities. They also pose a public health risk during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, as those handling bloodied birds may become infected.

The FIGHT Act proposes amendments to Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act to enhance enforcement against animal fighting. It aims to ban simulcasting and gambling on animal fights within the U.S., stop the shipment of mature roosters via U.S. mail (excluding baby chicks used in agricultural operations), establish a citizen suit provision to reduce federal agencies' resource burdens, and enhance forfeiture provisions to target real property used in animal fighting crimes.

The full text of the FIGHT Act is available for review.