Cramer’s anti-animal fighting bill clears the House
Posted by BrianA bill that prohibits animal fighting and abuse is halfway through Congress.
The House of Representatives approved the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act on Monday.
Co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, D-Huntsville, the bill would make it a federal crime to knowingly buy, sell, transport, deliver or receive any animal in interstate or foreign commerce for fighting. The legislation also increases the maximum sentence for these crimes to three years in prison.
“No animal should ever be trained or used for fighting,” Cramer said. “This bipartisan bill will help put an end to this cruel practice.”
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Last year, Decatur was home to high profile case of alleged animal abuse when Lucky, a severely injured dog, was found in a trash bin. The dog’s extensive injuries were consistent with animal fighting and abuse. Trial for the man charged with Lucky’s abuse is on this week’s Circuit Court trial docket.
Anybody who reads this blog with some degree of frequency knows my position on personal liberty and freedom. But, there is no place in civilized society for people who force animals to fight.
Amazingly, 39 legislators, including Alabama’s Mike Rogers, voted against the bill.
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March 28th, 2007 at 10:12 am
I’d vote against it too. It’s federal legislation.
March 28th, 2007 at 11:02 am
I’ll admit that my support of the measure is a bit hypocritical considering that I frequently lament the usage of the interstate commerce clause to impose all kinds of federal legislation on the states. I almost feel like animals should be afforded the right to live their lives without being subjected to torture, which animal fighting amounts to. I’m hesitant to officially stake that position because I think it opens a Pandora’s Box that could lead to a “right to life” for critters. I love a good steak, though.
March 28th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
Brian, I don’t think it’s hycpcritical at all. Some things are important enough to venture outside your comfort zone, and this is one. Full disclosure, I am a huge animal lover. I cannot stand to see any animal suffer, as the numerous calls I’ve made to Oak Mountain Wildlife Rescue attest.
There is simply no reason on earth for animal cruelty, of any kind. I’m happy to see you support this.
March 31st, 2007 at 10:00 pm
cramer is gay, right?
April 1st, 2007 at 5:11 am
Why do you ask tongueasaurus - are you lookin’?
I can’t speak for anyone regarding their sexual orientation, but this is from his official bio:
Sounds pretty heterosexual to me.