Washington State Senate Considering Amending H.B. 1304 to Stop Animal Fighting

The Issue
Animal fighting is a cruel and gruesome practice that is often associated with drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and violent crimes. Both dogfighting and cockfighting are illegal in Washington, but these gruesome blood sports continue due to their clandestine and secret nature. These crimes become even more horrifying when family pets are stolen and used as bait or for training animals for fighting. This part of the issue is often overlooked though it is one of the most egregious acts involved with animal fighting.

The Washington State Senate is considering an amendment to HB1304, current animal cruelty legislation, that will make it easier to arrest and prosecute individuals who organize and participate in animal fighting. And, it will make it a felony to steal a pet for use in any type of animal fight or training. In light of numerous recent cases of cruelty, including animal fighting, this issue needs to be addressed immediately in the legislature!

What You Can Do
Contact your Senators to support the amendment to HB1304. The amendment that addresses animal fighting is supported by the PAWS, the HSUS, prosecutors, law enforcement, humane officers and the public. The bill is at a crucial stage and needs you to email or call your State Senators and urge them to support this amendment. Your voice, as well as that of your neighbors, friends, relatives and coworkers is imperative to helping animals.

To locate your legislator go to www.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder or call the Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000.

Please pass this alert along to everyone you know in Washington who cares for animals. Just a minute of your time is all it will take! Thanks so much for taking time to help animals today!

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