PRESS RELEASE

LA/SPCA HAILS HISTORIC VOTE TO FINALLY BAN COCKFIGHTING:

Governor Blanco Expected to Sign Legislation

NEW ORLEANS, LA – (6/28/07) After years of lobbying and advocacy to put an end to the brutal blood sport of cockfighting, the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA) is hailing state lawmakers decision to finally approve a ban on cockfighting. Two bills, both expected to be signed by Governor Blanco when they reach her desk, will put an end to a practice recognized as “brutal and inhumane” by the majority of Louisiana residents. Once signed, these bills will erase Louisiana’s image as the only state that still allowed cockfighting

The LA/SPCA has been a strident and vocal opponent of cockfighting in the state, and has testified before both the House and Senate committees for the past three years urging the end to this barbaric sport. LA/SPCA Executive Director Laura Maloney called the move a monumental win. “Each time we addressed cockfighting in Baton Rouge, we gathered more support for the ban. We recognize that through education we were able to make a difference, and we view yesterday’s vote as a clear sign of the cultural shift in our state.” The LA/SPCA recognizes that passage of the bill is the first step, but any effective legislation requires strong enforcement by law enforcement agencies.

House Bill 108, sponsored by Representative Harold L. Ritchie, is a compromise measure to earlier calls for an immediate ban. HB 108 will ban the practice of cockfighting, effective August 15, 2008. The House vote was 97-1 in favor of the bill and 37 senators also voted for the bill with no opposing votes.

Additionally, the Senate approved SB 221 by Senator Art Lentini that would immediately ban gambling or wagering at any cockfight, effective August 15, 2007. The LA/SPCA applauded the work of Sen. Lentini who has been the Legislature’s leading opponent of cockfighting. Following yesterday’s vote Lentini told reporters, “The gambling ban really puts an end to cockfighting. Betting is the real reason people go to these fights.”

After New Mexico banned the practice earlier this year, Louisiana became the only state that still allowed the practice. “This was a concerted effort to remove a national blemish from our state’s image,’’ said Maloney. “The whole country has been focused on Louisiana due to our massive rebuilding and recovery efforts and no one wanted to see Louisiana blemished with the stigma of being the only state that still allowed such a brutal and inhumane practice.” In 2004, a poll conducted by Hill Research Consultants indicated that 82% of the Louisiana residents favored a legislative ban against cockfighting.

Though the actual ban on the sport will not happen until next year, Maloney is encouraged by the immediate ban that will make it illegal to gamble at cockfights. “Without the potential for betting and winning money, the sport will lose its allure for people. Our concern is for future generations of young people, as well as the animals.” An additional aspect of the blood sport that has always troubled the LA/SPCA has been proponent’s claim that cockfighting is family entertainment. “Children that are exposed to violence on any level can become desensitized to violence against people and animals,” added Maloney.

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The Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an organization devoted to improving the lives of animals and eliminating the homelessness, neglect and abuse that signal animal suffering. Chartered in 1888, our history has been paved with an understanding that only through an improved human-animal ethic can we better the lives of companion animals and that of our community. Our programs and services are infused with the highest standards of care and compassion.

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