action alerts
Update: The Oregon legislature unanimously passed SB 1072 on Friday, Feb. 22. Thanks to everyone who voiced their support!
New Bill Would Close Dog Fighting Loophole
Salem, OR, Feb. 4, 2008: The Oregon Humane Society urges the public to contact their elected officials to support a bill now pending in the special Oregon legislative session that dramatically strengthens the ability of police to crack down on dog fighting.
The bill, SB 1072, would:
- Make it a felony to be a spectator at a dog fight
- Make it a felony to own dog fighting paraphernalia
- Expand the definition of dog fighting paraphernalia to include such items as breaking sticks, cat mills, treadmills and fighting pits
The legislation is strongly endorsed by the Oregon Humane Society as well as such groups as the Oregon State Sheriffs' Association. It is sponsored by the president of the Oregon Senate, Sen. Peter Courtney.The bill was passed by the Oregon Senate on Feb. 15, and now headed for a vote in the House.
Although dog fighting is a felony in Oregon, prosecution is difficult. When police raid a fight in progress, for example, it's difficult to determine who is organizing the fight because spectators, facing only misdemeanor charges, rarely cooperate with police. To read the complete text of the bill, click here.
How you can help:
Please take a moment to contact your Oregon state representative and voice your support for SB 1072 (click here to find your state legislator; do not send to congressmen Wyden, Smith, Hooley, Blumenauer or Walden as they are US legislators). Phone calls or postal letters are best, but emails also make a difference; if you email your official, please send a copy of the email to OHS at: action@oregonhumane.org.
When writing, it's best to polite and brief (just a few sentences are needed--no more than one page). Tell your elected official that you believe this legislation is needed to combat a barbaric crime against animals, a crime that is tough to prosecute because of the loophole that prevents police from charging spectators with anything more than a misdemeanor crime. Urge them to vote "Yes" on SB 1072.
