Case offers another indicator of the need for federal law to eradicate illegal staged animal fighting, animal welfare groups say
Wausau, WI — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, offered this statement on news that a Wausau man convicted in a cockfighting scheme is now facing federal drug charges.
Bee Her, 45, had multiple prior convictions including for cockfighting, yet he was on probation (rather than incarcerated) when he was indicted Thursday by a grand jury. A federal judge signed a warrant for his arrest over a major drug trafficking scheme for distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.
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In 2014, Her was convicted of mistreating animals in an illegal cockfighting and gambling operation. He was sentenced to probation in that case instead of jail time. Hence, he was allowed to go free and commit other crimes.
“When people commit crimes of violence against animals, they should go to prison, consistent with the penalties allowed for a statute prohibiting these malicious crimes,” said Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, which is leading a national campaign against staged animal fighting. “When judges deliver a slap on the wrist rather than a proportional penalty, they put the community at risk because people who engage in cruelty to animals are a threat to the well-being and safety of communities. It’s almost never the case that a cockfighter or a dogfighter is a one-off criminal. They exhibit a general lawlessness, often including acts of violence against people.”
Wisconsin has a strong anti-cockfighting law, with felony-level penalties.
Congress is also considering the FIGHT Act, which bans online gambling on dogfights and cockfights; prohibits shipping adult fighting roosters through the U.S. mail, strengthens forfeiture authority for fighting pits and properties used to conduct these cruel activities; and allows private rights of action against dogfighters and cockfighters in the absences of federal law enforcement.
More than 650 organizations and law enforcement agencies already endorse The FIGHT Act, including the National Sheriffs’ Association and National District Attorneys Association.
“I consider passing the FIGHT Act in Congress as urgent a priority as we have at Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy,” Pacelle said.