John Kerry: “On July 26, I introduced critical legislation to stem the rising tide of dogfighting in our country. Dogfighting is one…”

“On July 26, I introduced critical legislation to stem the rising tide of dogfighting in our country. Dogfighting is one of society's most barbaric and inhumane activities. The dogs are mistreated, starved and conditioned for aggression, and then allowed to literally destroy one another in the ring. As we have read in the recent indictment of Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick on dogfighting charges, poor-performing dogs are tortured, maimed, and killed. This illegal and despicable activity has no place in a civilized society. However, dogfighting has expanded its hold in recent years. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 40,000 people in the United States are involved in professional dogfighting, and fight purses reach as high as $100,000. As many as 100,000 additional people are involved in 'streetfighting,' informal dogfighting that often involves young people in gangs. This legislation would place a Federal ban on all aspects of dogfighting activity from owning to transporting to training dogs for the purpose of fighting, to participating as a spectator at dogfighting ventures. I hope this legislation will end the practice of dogfighting in our country, once and for all.”