Blumenauer Animal Fighting Legislation Becomes Law

Washington, DC – Today President Bush signed into law the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, legislation introduced by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Elton Gallegly (R-CA). The bill will help law enforcement crack down on animal fighting across the U.S.
“This is a great victory,” said Congressman Blumenauer. “After being held up for more than five years, today’s approval by the President marks a significant milestone for all of us who worked so hard to stop this barbaric crime and hold accountable those who perpetrate it.”

The law, which takes effect immediately, passed the House in late March by 368-39 and the Senate by unanimous consent in April. The bill amends Title 18 of the U.S. Code to establish felony-level jail time (up to three years) for violators of the Federal Animal Fighting Law.