Bristol Herald Courier endorses VA animal fighting bill

http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/opinions.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2008-01-17-0004.html

Strengthen laws against bloodsports

Thursday, Jan 17, 2008 - 12:38 AM Updated: 09:02 AM

The case against Michael Vick brought public attention to the shadowy, depraved world of dogfighting.

The investigation also uncovered weaknesses in the state's animal-fighting laws in general. Attorney General Bob McDonnell – with support from Gov. Tim Kaine and key legislators – is leading the charge to fix these deficiencies and make Virginia's laws on this matter some of the strongest in the nation. This is a worthwhile effort.

Dogfighting is already a felony crime in this state. The proposed legislative changes would make cockfighting a felony, as well. Under present Virginia law, cockfighting is only illegal if gambling is involved, and even then it is a misdemeanor. This provides little disincentive for cockfighting aficionados to engage in their barbaric bloodsport.

There have been efforts to strengthen the state's cockfighting law in the past, but none have succeeded. Perhaps some state lawmakers are secret supporters of this bloody activity, in which roosters are outfitted with spurs or knives in a fight to the death.

Cockfighting supporters argue that their so-called sport is a fine Virginia tradition, as old as the state itself. They note that Thomas Jefferson and George Washington were said to have owned gamecocks. Yet, the age of the practice doesn't render it worthy of preservation.

It seems certain that Virginia would rather be known for its mountain views, esteemed universities or musical heritage than as a haven for cockfighting.

The cockfighting measure is sponsored by Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, in the House, and Minority Leader Thomas K. Norment, R-James City, in the Senate. With the support of McDonnell, a Republican, and Kaine, a Democrat, perhaps this will be the year that it gets the support necessary to become law.

Other changes to the state's animal-fighting laws that are part of McDonnell's legislative package include:

• Making it a felony to use a device or substance to enhance an animal's fighting ability.
• Eliminating a requirement that animals seized from fighting ventures be held in animal shelters until the case is resolved.
• Allowing investigators to conduct animal cruelty investigations after sunset without getting a new warrant and requiring a bond to be posted if owners contest the animals' forfeiture.
• Making it a misdemeanor to allow a juvenile to attend an animal fight.

Each of these changes makes sense. Virginia lawmakers should adopt them. Prove that the state does not smile on those who harm animals for pleasure.