Christopher Shays: “Last year, Congress enacted provisions to close loopholes in the federal animal fighting laws. We need to ensure the…”

“Last year, Congress enacted provisions to close loopholes in the federal animal fighting laws. We need to ensure the Department of Agriculture (USDA) has the resources it needs to enforce the law. The Blumenauer-Tancredo amendment will provide a modest $800,000 for the USDA's Office of Inspector General to focus on animal fighting cases. Dogfighting is banned in all 50 States and cockfighting is banned in 48 States. Dogfights and cockfights frequently involve not only deplorable animal abuse, but also illegal gambling, drug traffic, and violence to people. Additionally, cockfighting may be responsible for the spreading of diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease (END), a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of birds. This disease has destroyed many poultry flocks throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas and has cost taxpayers more than $100 million for containment and compensation. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Animals Caucus, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Blumenauer-Tancredo amendment.”