This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to add a definition of "rooster" and to strengthen federal rules against animal fighting. It defines a rooster as a male Gallus domesticus older than 6 months. The bill makes it illegal to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture, to attend or cause someone under 16 to attend such a venture, and to gamble on an animal fighting venture (including in-person and broadcast events). It also clarifies that using the mail or other interstate instrumentalities to transport roosters for these ventures is prohibited and updates the Postal Service statute to reflect that. The bill creates a private civil suit process: any person may sue to stop alleged violations after giving 60 days' notice to the Secretary and local law enforcement. A court may fine violators up to $5,000 per violation in those civil suits and may award litigation costs, including reasonable attorney and expert witness fees. The bill authorizes federal investigation, search warrants, forfeiture, and—specifically for those found to have sponsored or exhibited animals in fights—seizure of real property used to commit or facilitate the violation. It also states that federal provisions do not supersede state or local laws unless there is a direct conflict.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.