Support Stronger Penalties for Animal Fighting
Help us put an end to animal fighting and create stronger laws for animals so criminals who use animals for fighting receive meaningful sentences. Although animal fighting is illegal in all 50 states, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is working to make such crimes easier to prosecute and punishable by stronger penalties.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund has drafted a recommended amendment to state laws that would enable prosecutors to charge those who organize, conduct, and profit from animal fights under the respective state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization statute. These laws (commonly known as RICO statutes) are designed to be weapons against crimes that are supported by organized criminal efforts. Like drug dealing, sex trafficking, and illegal gambling, animal fighting is just that sort of crime: animal fights happen when networks of people choose to organize criminal activity, in this case brutal spectacles of animal violence. Recognizing this by applying RICO statutes to animal fighting gives prosecutors increased capabilities to seek justice for animals abused and killed in the name of an illegal bloodsport.
Take action by writing to your state legislators today about enacting or enhancing your state’s RICO law. The Animal Legal Defense Fund can provide our model law that was enacted in Virginia and can also provide your legislators with a detailed legislative analysis of your state’s laws to provide customized solutions for your state.
Stop Animal Cruelty
Every day, animals are abused and killed. Their abusers frequently do not face any consequences – it’s still extremely common for animal cruelty to go unpunished. Without you, animals have no voice. Sign the petition.
Related
-
REPORT: FDA Should Improve Food Labels That Leave Consumers Confused About Allergens and Animal Ingredients
New report reveals that current labeling regulations put consumers at risk and fail to comply with federal law.June 25, 2024 Press Release -
Nearly 70 Percent of Veterinary Professionals Oppose Cat Declawing as States Seek to Ban the Procedure
New poll underscores the surge of support from the veterinary community to ban the cruel practice.June 24, 2024 Press Release -
Complaint Urges Illinois Department of Agriculture to Enforce Laws Against Storefronts Sourcing Dogs from Puppy Mills
Four stores are operating as pet shops without a valid license, and all six licensees are violating the Illinois Animal Welfare Act.June 12, 2024 Press Release