By PSA Newsroom Staff
WASHINGTON — For many people, animals are family. For others, they are victims of one of the most brutal underground crimes still operating across the country: organized animal fighting.
A bipartisan bill in Congress, known as the FIGHT Act, aims to strengthen federal laws against dogfighting and cockfighting, practices advocates describe as violent, profitable, and deeply tied to other criminal activity.
The legislation — formally called the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking Act — would close loopholes that allow animal fighting operations to continue, often out of sight and with little accountability.
Why This Matters
Animal welfare advocates say animal fighting isn’t just about cruelty to animals — it’s a community safety issue. These operations are frequently linked to illegal gambling, drug trafficking, weapons violations, and violent crime.
“It’s so clear to me that animal fighting is bound up with other crimes,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action.
“If we don’t arrest them when they’re engaging in malicious animal cruelty, we’re going to see that crime spill over into our communities.”
According to advocates, the animals involved often suffer severe injuries or death, while those that survive are frequently abandoned or euthanized due to trauma.
What the FIGHT Act Would Change
If passed, the FIGHT Act would:
- Ban online betting and livestreaming of animal fights, cutting off a major revenue stream for fighting rings
- Stop the U.S. Postal Service from shipping mature roosters, a known method used by cockfighting networks
- Strengthen enforcement tools, including the seizure of property used in animal fighting operations
- Allow citizens to bring civil lawsuits when government enforcement falls short
Supporters say these changes would give law enforcement the tools they need to disrupt organized fighting rings before animals — and communities — suffer further harm.
Bill text: https://www.congress.gov/
Local Impact Hits Close to Home
In South Carolina, dogfighting and cockfighting are already felony offenses. Still, advocates say enforcement gaps allow some operations to continue quietly. Past investigations in the state have uncovered large-scale dogfighting rings and led to the rescue of hundreds of animals living in extreme neglect.
Advocates say stronger federal laws would help local agencies by adding resources, coordination, and accountability.
How the Public Can Help
Supporters of the FIGHT Act are urging citizens to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support the legislation. They also encourage anyone who suspects animal fighting to report it to local law enforcement or animal control.
“Animal cruelty doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” advocates warn. “When we ignore it, it grows.”
