AR-News: (GA - US) Harsher laws needed to combat dogfighting

[Snugglezzz at aol.com]

 Posted on Tue, Jan. 27, 2004   
 
Harsher laws needed to combat dogfighting

There are many arguments in the arsenal of people who breed, train and fight animals. Some say it's their right. Others say it's part of their heritage. It matters little what reason is given. None make sense. To pit two animals against each other for what some call sport is not humane. It's down-right uncivilized. Apparently that message has not gotten through to the growing number of people taking part in dog or cock fighting. Just last week 124 people were arrested in Newton County. One might think this problem is more predominate in rural areas, but 43 of the people arrested were from Bibb County, one a firefighter.

Having animals to fight for sport is not just a problem in Georgia. From Petaluma, Calif., to Near Erie, Pennsylvania cases have been brought against people who deal in the clandestine activity of dogfighting. The Internet has helped link dogfights. In a report in the Telegraph Sunday, more than 100 web sites sell training gear for pit bulls, one the main breeds used in dogfighting.

Curbing the practice is a tough job for law enforcement. While dogfighting is illegal in every state and a felony in 47, including Georgia, fights continue and are hard to trace. Like any crime, the perpetrators have to be caught in the act. Having animals fight is despicable enough, but several other illegal activities are associated with dogfighting, including drugs and gambling. And one of the most common associations should strike us all with fear. Adults who exhibit violent tendencies as adults, many times, were cruel to animals as youngsters.

While law enforcement could use more people resources to stop dogfighting it could also use more legal tools. The effort in Congress to make it a felony to transport dogs across state lines for fighting is a good starting point. That is sure to run into some opposition if the Georgia experience to enact tougher laws is any example. The bill to make animal cruelty a felony introduced by state Sen. Robert Brown, D-Macon, during the 2000 legislative session met a fire storm of opposition. Opponents set out nonsensical scenarios as well as some valid concerns. But wild "what if" arguments caused the bill to be watered down considerably in order to garner enough votes for passage.

While the bill made it a felony to maliciously maim or kill an animal, the fine was dropped from $100,000 to $15,000. Willful neglect of an animal - even if it results in its death or permanent injury, remains a misdemeanor. It may be time to return to the lawmakers' well and strengthen the animal cruelty provisions. A stronger deterrent message should be sent to dogfighters, that if caught, the jail time and financial penalties are not worth the risk.