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End The Vicious Abuse Of Animals In Illegal Cockfights

1,159 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal

3.86% Complete

Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Millions of animals suffer brutal abuse in illegal cockfights—your voice can help end this cruelty.

Millions of animals suffer brutal abuse in illegal cockfights—your voice can help end this cruelty.

Illegal cockfighting persists in Texas despite statewide bans, with law enforcement stepping up efforts to dismantle this cruel practice. Recent raids have rescued hundreds of birds and uncovered disturbing ties to organized crime. These operations underscore the urgent need for stronger legislation to combat animal cruelty and its ripple effects on public safety1.

Widespread Raids Reveal Grim Realities

Across Texas, busts in counties like Van Zandt, Potter, and San Jacinto have revealed the extent of the problem. Birds kept in squalid conditions were found with injuries indicating they were trained for fights. Seized weapons and cash hint at the broader criminal networks tied to these operations1. Each raid highlights the challenges of enforcing bans on cockfighting in a state with deep cross-border connections to this illicit trade2.

Organized Crime and Trafficking

Cockfighting often intersects with other illegal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Birds are smuggled into and out of the U.S., with Mexican cartels facilitating much of the trade. Sophisticated trafficking networks and lenient penalties make enforcement difficult, allowing these operations to flourish1.

The FIGHT Act as a Solution

The Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act seeks to address these issues. It would ban online gambling on animal fights, allow courts to seize property used in these activities, and stop the shipment of fighting roosters. By strengthening existing laws, the act aims to curb both the cruelty of cockfighting and its ties to organized crime3.

Opposition and Public Support

While some lawmakers have proposed reducing penalties for cockfighting, public opinion overwhelmingly supports maintaining the bans. Surveys indicate that over 90% of Texans favor strong enforcement against this brutal practice4. Advocacy groups emphasize that stronger federal laws like the FIGHT Act are crucial to stopping these illegal activities at their source.

Take Action to End Cruelty

Texas stands at a crossroads in the fight against cockfighting. Stronger laws and continued enforcement are essential to dismantling these networks and protecting animals. By supporting the FIGHT Act, we can take a critical step toward ending this inhumane practice.

Sign the petition today and join the fight against illegal cockfighting.

More on this issue:

  1. Wayne Pacelle, Animal Wellness Action (2024), "Texas cockfighting raid latest in series of critical cockfighting busts."
  2. Wayne Pacelle, Dallas Morning News (27 June 2024), "We Can Stop Cockfighting in Texas with Stronger Regulations."
  3. Julián Aguilar, Texas Public Radio (15 May 2024), "String of cockfighting busts in Texas have animal advocates urging changes to current laws."
  4. Michael McNutt, NonDoc (24 January 2024), "U.S. Rep. Josh Brecheen backs ‘decriminalization of cockfighting’."
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The Petition:

To Senator Cory Booker and Members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry,

We, the undersigned, urge you to prioritize the passage of The FIGHT Act of 2023 (Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking Act). This vital legislation will address the unchecked cruelty animals endure in organized animal fighting operations, such as cockfighting, while dismantling the criminal enterprises that profit from this brutality.

Cockfighting is a barbaric practice where roosters are forced into bloody battles, often fitted with blades or spurs, to the amusement of spectators. These animals suffer horrific injuries and death in a system designed for exploitation and violence. Moreover, animal fighting is inextricably tied to broader criminal activities, including drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and money laundering, posing significant risks to public safety and community well-being.

The FIGHT Act will strengthen existing animal welfare laws by banning online gambling on animal fights, allowing the seizure of property used in these activities, and halting the shipment of fighting animals across state lines. These measures are critical to eliminating the infrastructure that enables and perpetuates such cruelty.

This is not just a matter of law enforcement; it is a question of humanity. Animals deserve protection from senseless suffering, and communities deserve relief from the crime and violence associated with these practices. By passing this legislation, we can take a definitive stand for compassion, justice, and the rule of law.

We believe that a future free from animal fighting is not only possible but essential. Taking action now will ensure a better future for all—one where cruelty has no place in our society.

We respectfully request your leadership in passing The FIGHT Act to protect animals, uphold justice, and build a safer, more humane world.

Sincerely,

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Signatures: