The FIGHT Act, the No Flight, No Fight Act, and the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act are needed to wipe out cockfighting and dogfighting For years, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy have documented an uncomfortable truth: the United States has become one of the world’s leading suppliers of fighting animals to … Read more
Association endorses ACE Act, FIGHT Act, and No Flight, No Fight Act to strengthen law enforcement tools against criminal enterprises WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association, representing sheriffs in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth, is urging members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to support three bipartisan measures designed to strengthen law enforcement efforts against … Read more
We applauded the carrier for closing one pipeline to the Philippines. Now the company is playing dumb as cockfighters route their fighting animals through Vietnam. Just two months ago, we lauded Korean Air. After we presented the company with the results of our undercover investigations, the airline agreed to stop accepting shipments of live roosters … Read more
Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman leaves out the SOB Act but leaves other key animal welfare policies, including animal fighting and horse slaughter, for the full committee to handle It was good news yesterday when Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman, R-Ark., released his draft Farm bill, which omits the wicked Save Our Bacon (SOB) Act. … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today commended the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office for its swift enforcement action on Sunday that led to the arrest of a Port Barre man on felony cockfighting and drug-related charges. According to news reports, authorities arrested Mitchel Joseph Landry, 45, on charges including felony cockfighting, cultivation of marijuana, … Read more
Oklahoma City, Okla. – Animal Wellness Action today praised the Oklahoma City Police Department for the arrest of Jesus Arturo Chavez Nunez on multiple charges related to alleged cockfighting activities, including maintaining facilities for cockfighting and possessing birds for fighting purposes. According to arrest records, Chavez Nunez was arrested by the Oklahoma City Police Department … Read more
Press Release Says suspected fighting rooster breeder should face hundreds of cruelty counts for leaving birds in squalid conditions Wilkes County, N.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are urging North Carolina law enforcement authorities and prosecutors to pursue aggressive animal cruelty charges against alleged cockfighting trafficker Francisco Valadez after … Read more
National Animal Advocacy Organization Praises Investigators for Acting Against Illegal Animal Fighting Operation EDINBURG, TEXAS – Animal Wellness Action today commended the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety for uncovering and dismantling an alleged cockfighting operation near Monte Alto and for the arrest of the property’s owner, 41-year-old Arnulfo Arizmendi. According … Read more
Press Release Anti-cockfighting organization calls out Charles McCall and Justin Humphrey as pro-cockfighting lawmakers, while noting that first-time candidate Anthony DeVore is a convicted cockfighter on probation for cruelty to animals OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Animal Wellness Action is urging Oklahoma voters to reject political candidates who have a record of supporting efforts to weaken … Read more
Bipartisan measure provides $2 million for USDA Office of Inspector General investigations targeting dogfighting, cockfighting, organized crime, and animal trafficking WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Buchanan-Carter Amendment (#101) to the FY2027 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations Act, directing $2 million to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) to investigate … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today applauded the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office and partnering law enforcement agencies for their rapid and decisive response in shutting down a large-scale illegal cockfighting operation that reportedly resulted in 59 arrests in Chickasaw County, Mississippi. Authorities reportedly uncovered an organized cockfighting event involving dozens of participants and spectators. Cockfighting … Read more
Group praises deputies for swift enforcement action against illegal blood sport tied to gambling, violence, and disease risks SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, Calif. — Animal Wellness Action today applauded the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office for disrupting a suspected cockfighting operation near Lodi and detaining individuals connected to the illegal event after deputies uncovered a large … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today commended the Nye County Sheriff’s Office and its federal and local partners for dismantling an alleged large-scale cockfighting operation in Pahrump, Nevada, resulting in three arrests and the seizure of 478 birds, cockfighting blades known as “gaffs,” firearms, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash. According to … Read more
After historic gains for beagles, horses, and animal-free science, we cannot look away when high-profile athletes are tied to organized animal cruelty. When you think about our recent work with Ridglan Farms — helping engineer an accord that allowed us to rescue 1,500 beagles confined in a breeding facility that fed the dogs into laboratories … Read more
The brazen participation of the Ortiz brothers in illegal cockfighting underscores that animal fighters feel no need to conceal their criminal conduct from the indifferent feds There are a thousand good reasons for Congress to pass the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act — a bill with four core provisions to enhance enforcement … Read more
Animal Cruelty & Organized Crime Dimensions Stressed WASHINGTON, D.C.— Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today urged Major League Baseball (MLB) to investigate LA Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz for illegal cockfighting activity in Puerto Rico and to take speedy disciplinary action if the activity is proven true. Diaz has been repeatedly … Read more
Says Operation Demonstrates That Cockfighters Cannot Hide Criminal Activity and Calls on Congress to Pass FIGHT Act WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today applauded the coordinated law enforcement operation that dismantled an alleged large-scale cockfighting venture in Tolland, resulting in more than 50 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of birds. According to multiple … Read more
Groups urge HISA and federal authorities to investigate Jose and Irad Ortiz, Jr. following explosive USA Today report about extreme violence against animals Bethesda, Md.— Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today called on horse racing authorities and federal prosecutors to take immediate action against acclaimed jockeys Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz, … Read more
Agriculture Committee head also tried (but failed) to gut the greyhound racing ban. The U.S. Senate can correct outcomes at odds with American values I’m still in southern Wisconsin, where the community is abuzz with excitement about the accord I announced yesterday between the Center for a Humane Economy, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, and Ridglan … Read more
“The Rules Committee blocked four GOP-led amendments on animal welfare that were headed to passage, including the Luna-Costa-Garbarino amendment to nix a provision to federally preempt state laws to combat extreme and inhumane confinement of breeding pigs,” said Pacelle. “The Agriculture Committee should not be allowed to wipe out the votes of 10 million American … Read more
We just shut down the world’s biggest cockfighting pipeline: Fighting Birds Shipped from the U.S. to the Philippines via this major air carrier Today marks one of the most significant non-legislative breakthroughs we’ve ever secured in our quest to eradicate animal fighting in the United States and across the globe. After months of investigations, and … Read more
Recent investigations into smuggling of fighting birds triggered legislation from U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls to halt transnational shipments of tens of thousands of birds WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a series of investigations by Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, and the Dallas Morning News, and then the subsequent introduction of federal legislation targeting … Read more
U.S. House debate on the bill, replete with provisions to benefit foreign companies and a relative handful of foreign consumers, is here The American public cares deeply about animal well-being. You wouldn’t know it, though, if you dig into the legislative details of the Farm Bill – better defined as the “Factory Farm Bill” – … Read more
$2,500 Reward Offered Leading to Arrest and Prosecution of Perpetrators WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action announced it will provide a cash reward for information about the perpetrators of a horrific animal abuse case in Will County, Illinois centered around six dogs found dead in trash bags with all the telltale signs of dogfighting abuses. The … Read more
Wayne Pacelle: Rusk County Raid Exposes “Bloody, Lawless Underworld” of Cockfighting RUSK COUNTY, TEXAS — Animal Wellness Action today issued strong praise for the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office after deputies shut down a savage cockfighting operation that resulted in the deaths of 56 roosters and the arrest of four suspects. Authorities responding to a tip uncovered … Read more
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Animal Wellness Action applauded federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials following the sentencing of over a dozen individuals involved in a large-scale dogfighting and illegal gambling operation in central Indiana, calling the case a stark reminder of the organized and dangerous nature of animal fighting enterprises. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the … Read more
Recent Kentucky case underscores national scope of organized animal fighting networks tied to drugs, weapons, and violent crime Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action applauds law enforcement authorities in Louisville, Ky. for bringing charges against a man allegedly involved in a dogfighting operation, while warning that the case reflects a broader pattern of organized criminal … Read more
Press Stateent PARKER COUNTY, Texasn— Animal Wellness Action applauded the Parker County Sheriff’s Office for its decisive and proactive investigation that led to the seizure of more than 350 chickens and felony animal cruelty charges against a man accused of operating a cockfighting training facility. According to authorities, deputies responding to an animal welfare check … Read more
Law enforcement leaders, especially in agricultural states with first-generation workers sometimes hailing from nations where animal fighting is widespread, understand that animal fighting spawns a crime wave and a disease threat, especially to poultry industries BOISE, Idaho — Animal Wellness Action today applauded major Idaho law enforcement organizations for urging Congress to strengthen federal laws … Read more
Animal advocates say that it is past time to dismantle dozens of illegal fighting pits in Oklahoma and deliver prison time and serious fines to lawbreakers like Anthony DeVore WASHINTON, D. C. — Animal Wellness Action expresses dismay that cockfighting ringleader Anthony DeVore received a pitifully small fine of $100 after being caught in a … Read more
Press Release Phoenix, Ariz.— Animal Wellness Action and Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) applaud the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for its recent enforcement action dismantling a suspected cockfighting operation near Buckeye, where multiple individuals were detained on Saturday. The bust represents a continued and encouraging trend of law enforcement efforts targeting animal hoarding, illegal … Read more
Press STATEMENT WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today praised the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and federal agencies following a major law enforcement operation on Saturday that dismantled an alleged organized cockfighting enterprise tied to broader criminal activity. The coordinated operation was the result of a months-long investigation into a large-scale illegal network involving cockfighting, gambling, … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today commended the swift and decisive actions of the Chaves County Sheriff’s Office in dismantling an illegal cockfighting operation in southeastern New Mexico that drew more than 100 participants. New Mexico was the 49th state to ban cockfighting, only outlawing staged knife fights between birds in 2007, with the late Governor … Read more
Santa Barbara is one of at least 22 California counties that limit rooster numbers to enable law enforcement to shut down cockfighting operations without having to raid a cockfight in progress and put officers at risk from a mob of armed cockfighters. SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif.— Animal Wellness Action today applauded Santa Barbara County Animal … Read more
A ban on greyhound racing was added to the Farm bill, but there’s continuing debate over a range of other provisions, good and bad This week brought major developments in Congress on the long-delayed Farm bill, and I want you to hear directly from me about what happened inside the House Agriculture Committee — the … Read more
Animal Wellness Action applauds Cherokee Nation Attorney General for bringing charges for organized staged fights Tulsa, Okla. — Animal Wellness Action today praised law enforcement authorities for pursuing felony animal cruelty charges against a former county sheriff in connection with alleged cockfighting operations conducted on Cherokee Nation land in McIntosh County. According to court records, Jeff Coleman, … Read more
Raids of cockfighting complexes continue to reveal that California may have more illegal cockfighting than any other state San Francisco — Animal Wellness Action applauded the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for raiding a cockfighting complex with more than 800 birds. Deputies discovered birds of the major fighting breeds, cockfighting knives, betting slips, and other telltale … Read more
Paeans of praise are surfacing online among Mexican and American cockfighters after the killing of the “Lord of the Roosters” — one of the hemisphere’s most violent criminals who was obsessed with cockfighting Washington, D.C. – Underscoring the connection between malicious animal abuse and violence against people, the Mexican government’s killing this week of Nemesio … Read more
Our investigation documents how America has become the cockfighting breeding ground for the world, with the Philippines a central destination for U.S.-raised fighting animals There are moments in an investigation that sear themselves into memory. For our investigators at Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, that moment came inside the Smart … Read more
An Animal Wellness Action Investigation Bright lights. Corporate sponsors. And at the center — animals forced to kill each other. I stood surrounded by 10,000 spectators — almost all men — shouting and gesturing wildly inside a packed coliseum in Manila. On a raised dirt platform six men were preparing for the next fight. On … Read more
Humane advocates, egg and poultry farmers, and law enforcement officials need help in shutting down the animal fighting industry. It’s time for the hunting and environmental communities to step up. by Ted Williams Staged animal fights, in which dogs and roosters are bred and trained to tear each other to shreds for entertainment and gambling, … Read more
New Hampshire Sheriffs’ Association urges congressional delegation to back the FIGHT Act and Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act CONCORD, N.H. — The recent sentencing of a New Hampshire woman convicted for her role in a multistate cockfighting venture reminds federal lawmakers about the prevalence of animal fighting and the need for continuing attention to the problem. New Hampshire’s law … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action applauds the Nash County Sheriff’s Office and Nash County Animal Control for their decisive action that culminated in the removal of more than 650 roosters and the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in a large-scale cockfighting operation in Middlesex, N.C. Deputies responding to a warrant on January 20 discovered … Read more
Press Release SAN ANTONIO – Busts of cockfights in progress by the sheriffs of Bexar County and Freestone County are additional indicators of the extensive underground network of these illegal operations. They are also markers of the partnership between law enforcement and leading animal welfare groups intent on shutting down these organized criminal syndicates. Undercover … Read more
Animal Wellness Action has investigated this trade from the U.S. to the Philippines, uncovering a vast trade involving tens of thousands of animals for animal fighting derbies WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy lauded a bipartisan team of federal lawmakers for introducing H.R. 7371, the No Flight, No Fight Act, to … Read more
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, Pennsylvania Sheriffs Assoc., Pennsylvania District Attorneys Assoc. join more than 500 other law enforcement agencies in calling on Congress to pass the FIGHT Act Fayette County, Pa. — In an extraordinary showing of unanimity by law enforcement from rural and urban parts of the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, the Pennsylvania … Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today commends the federal sentencing of a defendant involved in an illegal cockfighting ring in Amarillo, Texas, underscoring the need for rigorous enforcement of animal cruelty laws and broader legislative tools to deter violent bloodsports. A federal judge has sentenced 49-year-old Salvador Sanchez Chavez to 11 months in federal prison … Read more
Press Statement EXPERT INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE Animal Wellness Action Applauds St. Landry Parish Council for Rejecting Cockfighting Legalization Scheme WASHINGTON, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy commend the St. Landry Parish Council for rejecting a cockamamie and legally baseless proposal advanced by cockfighting advocates to undermine Louisiana’s longstanding ban on cockfighting. At … Read more
Some Louisiana cockfighters are seeking an enclave for staged animal fights even as the movement against animal fighting has more momentum than ever The headlines tell the big-picture story of how animal fighting is held in contempt in American law and culture, yet the practice remains a persistent problem requiring urgent action to dismantle these … Read more
Animal advocates link arrest to push for the bipartisan FIGHT Act Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applauded South Carolina law enforcement officers for arresting a Chester County man in connection with an organized dogfighting ring. The arrest sends a clear message that cruelty to animals will not … Read more