Help Stop Dogfighting in Georgia

The federal prosecution of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on dogfighting charges has brought new attention to efforts by state Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) to put some teeth into state laws banning the practice.

Georgia is a dogfighting haven because it lacks tough laws. For example, Georgia is the only state where it's legal both to attend a dogfight and own fighting dogs.

John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for the Humane Society of the United States, recently held a public meeting in Atlanta. "Now that the nation has been awakened to the horrors of dogfighting and its prevalence, states with weak dogfighting laws need to step up to the plate" said Goodwin. "Strong felony penalties for dogfighting, including being a spectator at a fight, are essential to controlling this criminal, multi-million dollar industry. No one who fights dogs or who is complicit in this horribly cruel activity should be able to escape the law."

Senate Bill 16, the dogfighting bill, passed the Georgia Senate by a unanimous vote of 54-0 last Spring. It awaits action in the State House. Please contact your State House member and ask them to support S.B. 16.

The 2008 Georgia General Assembly session will begin January 2008. Your Georgia Representative needs to hear from you now. Please urge your legislator to strengthen laws against this cruel activity!

You can find your state elected officials using the HSUS Legislator Lookup or at the Georgia General Assembly website.

Learn more about this urgent problem at Georgia's Dog Fighting Legislation. And check out the winners of the HSUS "Knock Out Animal Fighting" video contest selected by tens of thousands of voters!