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COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA
Office of the Attorney General

Robert F. McDonnell
Attorney General  
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA  23219
804-786-2071
804-371-8947 TDD

 

 
 

For Release: January 15, 2008
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: tucker.martin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071

Attorney General McDonnell, The Humane Society of the United States Call for Tougher Animal Fighting Laws

Group Urges Passage of McDonnell’s Animal Fighting Legislation

Richmond - Today, Attorney General Bob McDonnell joined the leadership of The Humane Society of the United States to call for more effective animal fighting laws in Virginia. The Attorney General and The Humane Society urged passage of McDonnell’s animal fighting legislation, announced last week. The legislation is House Bill 656 and Senate Bill 592. House Majority Leader Delegate H. Morgan Griffith (R-Salem) is carrying the bill in the House. Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment (R-Williamsburg) is carrying the Senate measure. Both attended today’s press conference.

Speaking about the legislation, McDonnell noted, “Last year Virginians learned, sadly, of the scope of animal fighting for sport and profit in the Commonwealth. We have found animal fighting in every region in Virginia. As the Attorney General of this state I believe we must do more to crack down on this inhumane blood sport.”

McDonnell continued noting, “Our legislation will make it illegal for anyone to attend an animal fight. Those who create the demand for such illegal fights bear criminal responsibility. All who play any role in animal fighting in Virginia must be held accountable to stop this barbaric practice. Also, we are going to help the dogs victimized by dog fighting by ending the rule that they must be held at an animal shelter until the criminal case is resolved."

John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The Humane Society remarked “If this legislation becomes law, Virginia will be a national leader in passing tough, effective legislation to eradicate cockfighting and dog fighting.”

Specifically, HB 656 and SB 592 will:

  • Allow searches regarding animal cruelty cases to be conducted after sunset without more authorization.
  • Make other forms of animal fighting a Class 6 felony raising it on par with dog fighting. 
  • Make it a Class 6 felony to use any device or substance to enhance an animal’s ability to fight.
  • Make attendance at an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor
  • Make allowing a minor to attend a fight or be involved in an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor.
  • Provide for streamlining of the forfeiture of animals so that they don’t have to be held for years without resolution to the case. 
  • Ensure that bond will now have to be posted if an owner is contesting the forfeiture of fighting animals 

In addition to The Humane Society of the United States the following groups are also supporting Attorney General McDonnell’s legislation:

  • Richmond Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • Virginia Federation of Humane Societies
  • Virginia Animal Fighting Task Force
  • Virginia Animal Control Association
  • Richmond Animal Care & Control
  • Virginia Anti-Dogfighting Coalition
  • Virginia Poultry Federation
  • Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
  • Delmarva Poultry Industry Inc.

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