Press Release Louisville, KY — Animal Wellness Action and Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK) publicly endorsed SB 243, by Sen. Greg Elkins, R-Winchester, to make cockfighting a felony in Kentucky. “In addition to playing host to an extraordinary number of fighting arenas, Kentucky is at the center of the American and global cockfighting industry, with major … Read more
Animal welfare group urges voters in House District 94 to vote for ‘anyone but long-time dogfighting enthusiast Stoney Greene in the March 5th primary. Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action today urged Republican primary voters in North Carolina House District 94 to reject Wilkes County Commissioner Stoney Greene in his quest for that seat because of … Read more
HB 3136 fails to get a hearing in its first House Committee, killing that bill. Two bills that carried over from 2023 are stalled in the Senate. Oklahoma City, OK – The latest legislative measure to unwind the state law making cockfighting a felony died an early death, with its first key committee not taking up … Read more
78 fighting dogs rescued, indicating urgent need for federal law Washington D.C. — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, applauds the U.S. Department of Justice in its indictments this week of 14 men from Georgia, Florida and Alabama for participating in dogfighting. These arrests are the result … Read more
Our nation’s biggest border state is an extraordinary hotspot for cockfighting, illegal movement of fighting animals over the Mexico-Texas boundary Austin, TX — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, applauded the work to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office for seizing 35 roosters from what appears to have … Read more
Citizen report led to animal seizures; another indicator of the need for federal law Harris County, Texas — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, applauded the work the Harris County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office and the Houston SPCA for seizing more than 115 roosters and hens from … Read more
One dozen pit bulls found in home, witness says, suggesting a fighting operation Washington D.C. — Breaking and developing news is that three officers with the Metropolitan Police Department were wounded in a shooting Wednesday morning while attempting to serve a search warrant for animal cruelty. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, offers this statement: … Read more
Hialeah man arrested for cockfighting. Animal Wellness Action notes correlation between animal fighting and other criminal activity. Hialeah, FL — Leaders of two national animal-welfare groups are applauding the work of Hialeah, Fla., police and their arrest Thursday of a local man with charges related to cockfighting. Cockfighting is a felony under state law, and … Read more
Senator Cory Booker and Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Tom Kean, Bill Pascrell, Chris Smith, and Jeff Van Drew want more enforcement capacity to cut down on rampant, gruesome dogfighting and cockfighting rings. Neptune Township, N.J. — As details emerged of a dogfighting ring discovered over the weekend in Monmouth County, Wayne Pacelle of Animal Wellness Action … Read more
Press Release Latest finding of illegal cockfighting underscores precisely why organized cockfighting interests have invested in trying to gut Oklahoma’s most important anti-cruelty law. Stilwell, OK — Only two days before the Oklahoma Legislature convenes in Oklahoma City for the second half of the 59th legislative session, more than one hundred cockfighters did their own … Read more
Press Release Cash-for-information program announced to gather more intelligence from citizens for state and federal law enforcement agencies to eradicate illegal cockfighting. Louisville, KY — After a withering report from a Louisville TV station about law-enforcement nonchalance in the face of cockfighting, Animal Wellness Action and SHARK (Show Animals Respect and Kindness) are announcing a revamped … Read more
Groups offer reward program as cockfighting ring discovered at Norman barn fire. Oklahoma City — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy report that recent activities by pro-cockfighters in Oklahoma to weaken the state’s laws may be backfiring and in fact setting them back. Efforts by cockfighting supporters to persuade the Oklahoma Legislature … Read more
Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action reacted to the shooting death of a Washington state teenager at a cockfight in Mexico, as reported by SourceOne News. Christian Herrera, 16, was killed and his dad injured from being in the crossfire of a shootout between rival cartels on Jan. 6. It is just the latest example of … Read more
Santa Barbara, CA — Animal Wellness Action applauded the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for affirming its recent vote of 4-1 to rein in illegal cockfighting breeding operations in the sprawling county. The vote on the original consideration was 4-1, with Supervisors Joan Hartman, Laura Capps, Das Williams, and Chairman Steve Lavagnino favoring the … Read more
Tennessee Sen. Jon Lundburg, R-Bristol, is working to strengthen state law that metes out only misdemeanor penalties for cockfighting Tennessee — More than 100 roosters and hens seized last week from a cockfighting operation in Memphis will be killed because of disease – a reminder that cockfighting poses a major threat to Tennessee’s significant poultry sector. … Read more
Congress is overdue to halt live exports of horses for consumption,fighting animals for combat, mink pelts for fashion, and bear bile as a potion. Many domestic forms of animal exploitation survive, and even thrive, because the people behind these enterprises tap foreign markets for their cruelty and contraband, whether they’re peddling live animals or animal … Read more
Santa Barbara, CA — Animal Wellness Action applauded the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors for safeguarding the community’s quality of life and fighting cruelty to animals by approving an ordinance aimed at restricting the number of roosters allowed per property, with exemptions for legitimate agriculture operations. The vote was 4 to 1, with Supervisors … Read more
Cockfighting and dogfighting are sinister subcultures in too many communities and show the need for Congress to pass the FIGHT Act Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action is reacting to news that Memphis (Tenn.) Police Department has executed a large-scale animal seizure with apparent ties to animal fighting. Officers confiscated 135 roosters and hens and … Read more
Victim’s mother asks for help. Sheriffs have little information to go on despite dozens of potential witnesses at the scene Covington County, Miss. — A double homicide that occurred late last month where two young men were both shot in the head has now been linked to a largescale illegal dogfighting event. Animal Wellness Action and … Read more
Vicious Cockfighting Crimes Produce Fines Equivalent to a Parking Ticket Mobile, AL — Animal Wellness Action (AWA) applauded Mobile County Sheriff’s Office for busting a cockfighting derby in Grand Bay last week, where authorities reported stadium seating, a pit for fighting, and even concessions. But the perpetrators of this crime got the equivalent of a … Read more
Press Release Football legend is latest public figure in Oklahoma to express concerns about the governor’s embrace of a cockfighting group whose members are engaging in ongoing criminal activities. Oklahoma City, OK — Former University of Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer has weighed in on the cockfighting scandal in Oklahoma. The legendary football … Read more
This operation, like all dog fighting operations, produces unthinkable cruelty and other criminal activities Washington, D.C. – Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applaud the Muskegon Heights Police Department following the recent arrests made in connection to a dogfighting ring in Muskegon County in Michigan. The Muskegon Heights Police Department, along … Read more
Saying it promotes animal cruelty, the social media giant takes down Governor’s statement from Animal Wellness Action channel, denies appeal. Oklahoma City, OK — YouTube has removed a video of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt because it violates the company’s community guidelines by promoting cruelty to animals. In a tribute video to cockfighters, Governor Stitt apologizes … Read more
Press Release Stitt sent a videotaped message to cockfighters at a fundraising rally this past weekend in McAlester, as the illicit cockfight season is set to resume next week and the Legislature may re-examine pro-cockfighting legislation in the new year. Oklahoma City, OK — Former Governor Frank Keating, former Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and leaders of … Read more
Cockfighting is a known super-spreader of avian diseases, threatening human health and state’s poultry industry Washington, D.C. — Cockfighters are set to start the new cockfighting season around Thanksgiving, according to intelligence gathered by Animal Wellness Action, and that illegal criminal activity coincides with the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) throughout the United … Read more
This operation, like all cockfighting arenas, also included drugs, dead animals Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applaud San Jacinto County Sheriff’s deputies for making 19 arrests after finding about 300 people at a largescale cockfighting operation at a residence in the county. Officers also confiscated 96 roosters seized from … Read more
Animal fighting is a premeditated crime, not a cultural prerogative In recent days, there were two happenings in the Washington, D.C. area that directly touched on the cruel and unacceptable practice of animal fighting. One incident rightly drew headlines, while the other didn’t seem to ruffle a feather. In the matter that became headline news, … Read more
Organization praises enforcement action, urges Congress to pass FIGHT Act Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that a senior member of the Department of Defense communications staff and other individuals have been arrested and charged under federal law for participating in a dogfighting ring … Read more
Washington, D.C. – Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives, without dissent, passed an amendment to stipulate that at least $1 million is spent on casework by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General’s law enforcement personnel to investigate illegal animal fighting ventures and to apprehend the people driving this illegal animal cruelty. … Read more
Similar legislation has been introduced by Delegate from Puerto Rico and attracted no support from any sitting U.S. Senator or U.S. Representative from the states Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action strongly criticized the effort by Delegate James Moylan, R-Guam, to repeal a 2018 provision of the National Animal Fighting Law applying to the U.S. … Read more
Animal fighting blends cruelty, criminality, and contagious disease. It must end. Just days ago, federal authorities arrested 21 individuals in raids targeting a network of dogfighters and narcotics traffickers, with evidence seized at 25 locations just in Indianapolis. The investigation stretched from there to West Virginia to Mexico to Mississippi, where one perpetrator had “several … Read more
21 people were charged in state court in connection with illegal animal fighting and trafficking of meth, cocaine, and other narcotics. Washington, D.C.—Today, Animal Wellness Action applauded federal authorities for making 21 arrests in a major, multi-state dogfighting and narcotics trafficking ring centered in Indiana. Law enforcement officers on Aug. 31 conducted sweeping raids at … Read more
Crime of cockfighting is ‘surprisingly widespread’ in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia region, group says. Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and sister organization Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement in support of the Calvert County (Maryland) State’s Attorney’s office for filing a criminal information document charging a Huntingtown man with several counts of animal … Read more
Animal welfare group urged support for an ordinance, similar to measures adopted by 20 other California counties, to restrict private ownership of roosters for no reason other than cockfighting. Sacramento, CA — Animal Wellness Action expressed deep disappointment in the Tulare County Board of Supervisors for voting to take no further action on a policy to address … Read more
Louisiana was the last legal bastion of cockfighting in the United States, but that law enacted 15 years ago makes cockfighting a felony in the state. Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that a Harvey, La., man was arrested on suspicions of involvement in … Read more
Group urges support for ordinance to restrict private ownership of roosters for no reason other than cockfighting Sacramento, CA — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy are calling on the Tulare County Board of Supervisors to enact an ordinance to restrict private ownership of roosters to combat cockfighting, with proper exemptions for … Read more
Organization calls for stronger laws to deter animal fighting and burden on law enforcement Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that 16 roosters were rescued during a cockfighting and animal cruelty investigation by Lorain County officers. The birds and other animal fighting paraphernalia were … Read more
Organization calls for stronger laws to deter animal fighting and burden on law enforcement Riverside County — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that two Riverside County brothers are facing multiple felony charges after being caught with fighting birds and cockfighting equipment including “gaffs” which are razor-sharp steel … Read more
Organization says bust shows international trafficking in cockfighting paraphernalia, birds is ongoing concern Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action praised U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers who last Thursday seized nearly 100 illegal rooster blades used for cockfighting, in what is just the latest bust of cockfighting contraband at the U.S. border. The confiscation occurred on … Read more
Press Release Chance Campo, a district leader for the cockfighting front group that donated tens of thousands of dollars to Oklahoma lawmakers to decriminalize staged animal fights and associated crimes, arrested and charged by Carter County law enforcement. Oklahoma City — Carter County prosecutors charged seven men, including a leader of the Oklahoma Gamefowl Commission, … Read more
Oregon — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that Lane County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant related to an illegal large-scale marijuana growing operation that also turned out to a cockfighting venue. Springfield Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration assisted due to the substantial size of … Read more
Washington, D.C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that Miami-Dade police have arrested a 52-year-old man holding a bag filled with animal fighting equipment, including 56 knives or gaffs affixed to the birds’ legs to enhance the bloodletting. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, … Read more
Organization calls for stronger laws to deter animal fighting and burden on law enforcement Washington — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that the Fauquier County Sherriff’s Office has seized 23 roosters and hens from a Summerduck home in connection with suspected cockfighting. The seizure followed earlier visits. … Read more
STATEMENT FOR PRESS Organization lauds federal enforcement actions, but decries lack of state enforcement of cockfighting complexes ‘hiding in place sight’ Louisville, KY — Animal Wellness Action and Showing Animals Kindness and Respect (SHARK) commended federal law enforcement authorities for bringing Grand Jury indictments under the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act against a series of … Read more
Washington — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that a San Bernardino man was convicted as charged with four misdemeanor counts related to cockfighting and animal cruelty. Pedro Vasquez, 66, was in possession of 400 roosters with the majority for cockfighting. The animals were in poor health … Read more
Organization calls for stronger laws to deter animal fighting and burden on law enforcement Washington — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that 12 people were arrested and charged with cockfighting by authorities in Polk County, Texas. Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an illegal … Read more
Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, and the Animal Wellness Foundation have filed an amicus curiae brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the case Andrew Salas v. United States. The brief may be viewed here. The case, on appeal before the Ninth Circuit … Read more
Step up in law enforcement must expand to other counties Oklahoma City, OK — Animal Wellness Action applauded the Carter County Sheriff’s Office for busting a cockfighting derby in progress on Sunday in the south Oklahoma county. According to the Daily Ardmoreite, “deputies broke up the illegal cockfighting event Sunday, confiscating fighting roosters and equipment … Read more
Washington, D..C. — Today, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy issued a statement on news that county, state, and federal are collaborating on busting a cockfighting ring in southeast Georgia. So far, there have been 12 arrests, including for animal cruelty and possession of fentanyl. In the course of the weekend earlier this month, 10 … Read more
Arrests come not long after Oklahoma lawmakers turned away attempts to weaken state anti-cockfighting law Washington, D.C. — Animal Wellness Action issues this press release in response to news today that three men were arrested Saturday in Marshall County Oklahoma for illegal cockfighting. According to court documents, Herminio Mendoza, Jamie Bell, and Jackson Bell are … Read more