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Week Ending March 23, 2006

H.R.137 To amend title 18, United States Code, to strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting, and for other purposes.

In a state where bird fighting is legal this bill makes illegal entering a bird into a fight when the bird owner knowingly bought, sold, delivered, transported or received in interstate or foreign commerce the bird for the purpose of putting it in the fight. Also prohibited is knowingly sponsoring or exhibiting in a animal fight venture any other animal that traveled in interstate of foreign commerce.

One may not knowingly sell, buy, transport, deliver or receive for the purpose of transportation in interstate or foreign commerce and dog or other animal to participate in animal fighting. Interstate mail services for commercial speech promoting any animal fight is prohibited unless the state allows bird fights. It is unlawful under this bill to sell, buy, transport or deliver a knife, gaff, or other sharp instrument to be attached to a bird’s leg for use in an animal fight.

The amount of fine that can be levied is not presented in this bill but prison time is increased to three years.

Sponsor:  Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA-24^th)

Vote: Passed House 368 to 39 March 26, 2007 (RC 188)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

Earmark Certification:   Not applicable to this bill.

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