John Ensign: “I rise to reintroduce the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, legislation that garnered the support of 51…”

“I rise to reintroduce the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, legislation that garnered the support of 51 Senate cosponsors and 201 House cosponsors in the 108th Congress but didn't quite make it over the finish line. I thank my colleagues for their support in this endeavor to protect the welfare of animals and express my hope that we will get the job done early in this session. This legislation targets the troubling, widespread, and often underground activities of dogfighting and cockfighting where dogs and birds are bred and trained to fight to the death. This is done for the sheer enjoyment and illegal wagering of the animals' handlers and spectators. These activities are reprehensible and despicable. Our States' laws reflect this sentiment. All 50 States have prohibited dogfighting. It is considered a felony in 48 States. Cockfighting is illegal in 48 States, and it is a felony in 31 States. In my home State of Nevada, both dogfighting and cockfighting are considered felonies. In fact, it is a felony to even attend a dogfighting or cockfighting match. Unfortunately, in spite of public opposition to extreme animal suffering, these animal fighting industries thrive.”