WASHINGTON, D.C. — Noting that cockfighting remains a pervasive form of organized criminal activity tied to gambling, narcotics, and weapons offenses, Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy today commended the Virginia Beach Police Department for executing a significant enforcement action that resulted in the seizure of 213 birds suspected of being bred and trained for fighting. Authorities also discovered cockfighting paraphernalia and other evidence at the scene during the investigation.
“This is one of the most consequential cockfighting busts in the region in recent years,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. “We applaud the Virginia Beach Police Department for dismantling this animal-fighting operation, and we stand ready to assist local authorities in advancing legal cases to hold offenders accountable under state and federal law.”
According to Virginia Beach Police, the investigation culminated in the recovery of hundreds of birds, along with metal spurs, gaffs, and other tools used in staged animal combat. Cockfighting is illegal under Virginia law and a felony under federal law to instigate, promote, conduct, or be present at an animal fight—even without betting. Each bird or act can count as a separate offense, with penalties of one to five years in prison or up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500 for each violation.
“When law enforcement agencies disrupt an animal-fighting enterprise, they are stopping a cascade of crimes in communities,” added Pacelle. “Cockfighting isn’t just animal cruelty; it’s organized crime.”
Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy continue to work nationally to strengthen the enforcement of anti-animal fighting laws through the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act, H.R. 3946 and S.1454. The measure has been endorsed by more than 900 agencies and organizations, including the National Sheriffs’ Association, the National District Attorneys Association, and 21 state sheriffs’ associations. The legislation would fortify prohibitions on animal fighting, ban simulcasting and online gambling on cockfights, and outlaw the shipment of mature roosters through the U.S. mail. U.S. Rep. Jennifer Kiggans, R-2-Va., is a cosponsor of H.R. 3946.
A fact sheet on the FIGHT Act can be found here.