(Washington, DC) - Rep. Gary L. Ackerman (D-Queens/L.I.) today helped introduce legislation that would severely toughen federal sentencing guidelines for individuals convicted of crimes related to dog fighting ventures.  The legislation, known as the “Federal Dog Protection Act,” would not only make it a felony for any person to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in a fight, but also would make attending a fight a federal crime. Ackerman, along with Reps. Gallegly and Blumenauer introduced the legislation in response to recent events demonstrating weaknesses in federal law.

“Dog fighting is one of the most serious forms of animal abuse and stands in stark contrast to the values of the American people,” said Ackerman.  “Anyone who participates in any way in these events is plainly sadistic, inhumane and deserves to be tried as a criminal.”

According to the Humane Society of the United States, dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.

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