Shon
09-23-2004, 04:40 PM
WASHINGTON -- A House subcommittee Thursday approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Mark Green, R-Wis., that would establish felony penalties for animal fighting for sport.
The House Judiciary subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security passed the legislation on a voice vote, sending the bill to the full committee.
"More than 150 local police and sheriffs departments from across the country have called on Congress to enact this legislation," Green said at the subcommittee meeting.
"They want the federal government to step up to the plate and join with them in cracking down on illegal dogfighting and cockfighting, which so often involve interstate participants."
In addition to establishing felony penalties for animal fighting violations, the bill bans interstate commerce of the sharp metal implements that cockfighters strap to birds' legs.
The House Judiciary subcommittee on crime, terrorism and homeland security passed the legislation on a voice vote, sending the bill to the full committee.
"More than 150 local police and sheriffs departments from across the country have called on Congress to enact this legislation," Green said at the subcommittee meeting.
"They want the federal government to step up to the plate and join with them in cracking down on illegal dogfighting and cockfighting, which so often involve interstate participants."
In addition to establishing felony penalties for animal fighting violations, the bill bans interstate commerce of the sharp metal implements that cockfighters strap to birds' legs.