Senator Boxer: End Dog Fights

August 2, 2007

I am pleased to let you know that I am an original cosponsor of new legislation intended to curtail the inhumane practice of dogfighting. Like so many Americans, I have been sickened to hear recent news about this practice.

Senator John Kerry has introduced legislation to amend the Animal Welfare Act, making four upgrades to the existing federal dogfighting laws. It removes an existing requirement that prosecutors and agents prove that a dog crossed state lines to fight. It also makes it a federal offense to be a spectator at a dogfight.

Senator Kerry’s legislation also makes dog fighting less lucrative by making it a crime to buy, sell, transport, train, or possess fighting dogs. And finally, it enhances penalties for dogfighting to a five year prison sentence from the current three-year penalty. Importantly, this legislation also does not override any state or local law so that local jurisdictions can impose even tougher laws.

This federal ban on dogfighting is long overdue. There is no redeeming value in watching animals tear each other apart. In fact, it is a blight on our society. I am proud to support this legislation and hope to see it become law in the near future.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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