please take a minute to send this...

This was the reply when I forwarded the correspondence to my senator.
Thank you for contacting me about animal fighting.

I appreciate hearing from you.

I share your opposition to cockfighting and other forms of animal fighting. It is important that we avoid inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals.

To combat animal fighting, I joined a bipartisan group of Senators in cosponsoring S. 382, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2005. On April 29, 2005, the Senate passed this bill by Unanimous Consent. Following passage by the Senate, the bill was sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

This Act would authorize felony-level penalties for individuals who violate the animal fighting provisions of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The measure would prohibit the movement in interstate and foreign commerce of the knives and other sharp instruments that are strapped onto birds' legs for use during cockfighting. The measure also would allow for the seizure of property involved in animal fighting ventures. The current law provides for the seizure of only the animals.

Thanks again for your support. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator