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S. 261, The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007
- This item has been mooted by the passage of another bill on the same subject or by other events. Check 'Related Bills' below to see if other bills on this subject have been passed into law. Mooted: 5/3/2007.
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Visitor Comments
Devin
I think that this bill is dumb, do you really think fighting a chicken is that bad? I mean a Felony Offense? I just think it is too much.
Joey
I think this is sad I'm a owner of gamefowl, I work everyday and take care of my family. The one enjoyment I get in life they trying to take away just because they see eye to eye with it I could understand if we made them do it but its there nature its what their ment to do. I dont see where we are any worse they are trying to make total extinction.
Al Sanchez
Al Sanchez
To whom it may Concern: I am a Vietnam Veteran that almost gave my Life
for this Country. I am now a Farmer that Raises Goats and Ducks as
a way to help keep my Family fed. I also raise Game Fowl for taking to
Poultry shows and State fairs around the Country. I have Read the Proposed
New Federal Laws HR137 and S261 and it seems to me the way these are
written that these New laws and Bills will infringe on my Livelihood and
with my right to sell and Ship Live birds across state lines. It also
seems that the Special interest groups have there hands in the way these
new proposed laws were written, Why should the HSUS & PETA groups have any
say so, in the way we as Americans live our Lives or Raise our Animals?? I
ask of you to please "Vote NO on HR 137 and S 261" These Bills and Laws No
good for our Country. There are enough laws on the Books already to Cover
Cock Fighting and Animal Abuse in this Country. What these new Laws and
Bills will do, If Passed is Put many Americans on the Door Step of Welfare
and Also take away our Rights As Americans to Raise & Ship Poultry across
the United States. Again I ask you to Vote NO on HR 137 and S 261. Thank
you for your Time.
Sincerely,
Al Sanchez
R. Covey
I urge you to oppose S. 261 It is a bad bill. Do Not let these hsus bunch make Lawabiting Voters criminals over night.
Chris Turner
S 261 another clear violation of a person’s constitutional right, as is HR 137, if passed. Do the people’s voices get heard? Do the politicians actually represent the hard working American? Go to this site, http://www.fund.org/voter-guide-2006/, and see if the people on the committees are on the list, then see how they vote, then you will be able to tell if they really care about the people they represent or if they vote for it because they are on the list of the special interest group that is pushing the bill. Just in case you don't believe the group pursuing this bill is an Animal Rights Group, here is another site you can go to http://www.nraila.org/issues/articles/read.aspx?ID=156 . Since its inception, HSUS has tried to limit the choices of American consumers, opposing dog breeding, conventional livestock, hunting, farming, rodeos, circuses, horse racing, marine aquariums, and fur trapping. Anyone who truly cares about the people and their constitutional rights can not support this bill.
CrossCreek
I think the bill goes against everything that people of our country have fought for all of thier lives, we are constantly loosing more and more rights everyday. I fought for my country twice, I serve my state everyday keeping criminals off of the streets and I feel the American people diserve the right to do what generations of our family members and some of the great people of American history have done for many years. Preserve what is left of our freedom, vote against this bill and any other one like it. Just think what is next to go, Hunting ? Fishing ? The right to own a gun, the right to own a dog or cat. To be honest it is hard to tell with all these animal terrorist groups out there destroying the American dream.
Andrew
Don't pass this bill, simply taking away human freedoms.
Diego
Here is a quote taken out of a News website usatoday.com
Cockfighting has increased "at an alarming rate" in the Houston area, says Sgt. Mark Timmers of the Harris County Constable Precinct 6. He says the number of fighting roosters seized doubles every year. Last year, it was about 800.
This says that there were about 800 bust on cockfighting don't you guys think there is a reason why this is going on obviously over 800 people a year feel they are not doing anything wrong and why do you guys want to make more laws on it why don't you soften up and let cockfighting happen, think all of the money that can be taxed off from cockfighting. It would be a great industry. I obviously believe that this law shouldn't pass.
J. Duthu
Free Enterprise; Freedom of Speech. This bill is ludicrous! Just how many people know the difference between a gamecock used for fighting and a gamecock used for showing in sanctioned shows? They look the same! Who will decide what is showfowl as opposed to fighting fowl? Why should my mail or speech be censored? For crying out loud...do not bend to the fanatical groups who want to put animal rights above human rights. VOTE NO to the attempt to take our guaranteed rights away.
Cesar
This is a slap to us americans that pay taxes and vote.Spend our money in better things.Look at the low scum drug dealers and terrorists.Cockfighting is my heritage and Im proud of it 100%. I spend alot of money raising my animals and pay aol of taxs on feed.Now my own county wants to make some lame laws because HSUS & PETA groups have more money then I do.PLEASE VOTE NO.Cockfighting haves been here for century.Before you and me.VOTE NO.
Joe D.
Vote no to s.261 don,t let big money lead you to make a felony law that hurt,s law abiding, tax paying, voting american citizen.
Louis
Dont let this bill pass or a lot of small business owner will take a big hit from this. Also a lot of indirect business would suffer too. We are law abiding citizens that pay our taxes and have strong family values. Please vote no.
Mike Brooks
I vote NO!
Fred Crane
Hunters, fisherman, farmers, ranchers, zoo's, rodeos, circuses, dog breeders, cat breeders, exotic pet owners, pet shops, feed stores, hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and the list goes on and on and on need to vote NO on this. Everyone of the aforementioned WILL be affected if this pass's into law. Think I'm kidding? Let it pass and see what comes down the pipe next from HSUS and corrupt politicians.
Urbano Sanchez
Outright infringement on our rights as Americans, who are these people to infringe on our lifestyles, cultural beliefs and heritiage. I thought people like these were being fought against on other countries where our young soldiers are dieing to help them rid of such people who want to dictate how they or we should live by. Please Vote No!!! on these and similar bills.
Ken Wall
To my elected officials, These bills are unconstitutional plan & simple. They revoke the rights of free speech to the public & the press & that is a direct violation of the constitution of these United States. I believe as a elected official you took a oath to protect the constitution & if you vote to pass these bills you are breaking your word to your government & to the people of the United States. Please take a good look at these bills & the officials that introduced them as I believe they are bought & payed for by the domestic terrorist that live in our country.
Thank you for your time. Ken Wall
Ben J. Taylor
Another law being passed by those that claim to be in favor or our constition and what it stands for "Freedom". Unfortunately freedom is becoming a thing of the past that are children will only read about and not live!!! How can the legislatures of this once great nation sell us out to an organization that steals money under false pretenses. The Animal Rights Terrorist are now telling our senators and congressmen what law to enact and putting animals above the rest of the citizenry. They have thier friends taking GOD outta the english language and replacing it with Animals!!! This is a law that shouldnt even have been introduced into the legislation of the United States. Ihope all you legislatures will wake up and give this country back to those that have fought for it and defended the Constitution with thier lives so we can be free to pursue our rights as written in declaration of independence. Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness are being denied now and again by special interest groups with a sick agenda..
Ken Richardson
There is no need to create a new felony for the sport of cockfighting.
Most Americans have heard only nasty and negative propaganda on the subject of cockfighting and game fowl. The Humane Society of The United States and Wayne Pacelle president has created a big majority of this misinformation. HSUS is a very small organization with a large bank account estimated at $175,000,000. HSUS is supposed to be a nonprofit non-lobbying organization. This group is hardly nonprofit as most of its officers collect 6 figure incomes. The group receives most of its income from charitable trusts or dead billionaires not memberships. This group differs from PETA only by disguise and stealth. If you would like another opinion of HSUS take a look at what the NRA has to say. Click here http://www.nraila.org/issues/articles/read.aspx?ID=156
Is government for sale to the highest bidder? Is America still a republic or has it slipped to far into a socialist model government? You don’t have to approve of cockfighting or game fowl to oppose this legislation. Just ask yourself is this the proper role of the Government. Do you want law enforcement groups spending resources investigating and prosecuting peaceful citizens? Please do not support S.261 or HR.137
Keep America Free.
Thank you
Ken Richardson
Lenav Covey
OPPOSE S.231 and HR 137 these bills are agianst our CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS by voteing NO you would allow us the voters and taxpayers to continue with our use and ownership of animals as is our CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT
HOWARD
VOTE NO
Kenny Stafford
This bill is just another step in the wrong direction.
Vote NO to this bill which attacks our freedom of choice.
BLACKY
I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF AMERICA AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR. BUT S261 IS A DISGRACE. ANIMAL RIHTS GROUPS GET MORE ATTENTION THAN PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY. I AM A VETERAN AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO PLEASE VOTE AGAINST S261. THANK YOU
James Covey
OPPOSE S. 261 it is a bad bill its UNCONSTITUTIONAL and would take away our FREEDOOM OF SPEECH! WE voted you in office NOW VOTE THIS BILL DOWN!
billy w. ryals, jr.
I remember being taught in school that we were more free than any nation on the planet. Now, it seems some want this to be the USSA. Mothers should not be arrested for transporting their child`s 4H project to the poultry show. Moneys could be better spent keeping other people the heck out of mine and everbody else`s business.
John Purdy
I have read the press releases and the propaganda the HSUS has used to support these bills and others like them introduced in previous years. Anybody reading the comments by the gamefowl breeders should now see that there is ANOTHER SIDE to this issue. I understand that money buys access to government officals, and access provides the special interests an opportunity to feed the legislators their version of reality. It is a shame that the people whom the goverment supposedly represents don't have equal access and they lose their rights based on a very rich and powerful special interest groups' OPINION. Gamefowl breeders may be rural people and members of minority groups without access to their lawmakers but we know that the lawmakers swore to uphold the U.S. Constitution when they took office. We also now that we have rights and guarantees that the US Constitution and years of case law have guaranteed us. If this law passes, you be assured that there will be one lawsuit after another challenging every aspect of this bill. And if a lawmaker votes for this bill, all I can ask is "WHY DO YOU HATE AMERICA?" because that this what this fight boils down to. Who does the Constitution and Bill of Rights pertain to? Special interests or The People???
Richie
Wonderful country we live in. It is okay to have an abortion, when the baby has no chance or fight. But can't allow two roosters to fight for their own like all male animals do in the wild. Just my thoughts
jennifer
voting to approve of fighting animals is inhumane and goes against the value of life. Hopefully we can choose some hobbies that promote the sanctity of life instead of acting like we don't have a conscience. How can anyone enjoy watching animals fight to their death? How about we put two humans with spurs on their hands and watch what happens. Would that be just as enjoyable?
Mike
God, gave us domain over all the animals. Guess this country is trying to take it away. This is not only unconstitutional but it goes against all morals.. Simply giving animals more rights then people is flat out stupidity.
jose j hernandez
ALL OF THESE BILLS IS TO MAKE THE REGAL GAMECOCK EXTINCT! THIS BIRD HAS BEEN AMERICAN HISTORY SINCE THE BEGINING! ALOT OF PEOPLE INCLUDING SENATORS HAVE LOST IN TOUCH OF RURAL LIFE WERE DO CHICKENS AND OTHER FARM ANIMALS ARE RAISE!! THEY ONLY SEE THE END PRODUCT!!!THE BIG PRODUCER OF POULTRY ALA PURDUE ETC.. DON'T LIKE US BUT KILL MILLIONS FOR OUR DAILY COMSUPTION.IF YOU SENATORS SEEN A GAMECOCK PLEASE BRING A COUPLE IN THE SENATE FLOOR LOOK WHAT THEY ARE FOR REAL BUT THAT IS A NO NO!!! JUSTVOTE ON THE BLIND TRUTH!!! PLEASE VOTE NO ON HR 137 AND S 261 . AVIAN INFLUENZA WAS THE EXCUSE FOR THESE TWO BILLS!!! LOOK THAT HSUS IS NOT FOR THE WELFARE AND WELL BEING OF THE GAMECOCK! SAY THIS CHICKEN SOUP OR LIVE ANOTHER DAY BETTER YET CHANGE THE GENETIC CODE FOR YOUR OWN SUSPESION OF DISBELIEF! VOTE NO!
THANK YOU
JOSE J HERNANDEZ
Mark Marsh
3 years imprisonment for violating this law????Child abusers,drug dealers, and rapists do less time for their crimes and that is the 100% truth!!! This type of law should not even be a misdemeanor. Aren't we going overboard by trying to heavily punish those who "violate" these feelgood type laws? No way this should be passed. Why can I own a gun but cannot order a pair of ornamental gaffs? Oh thats right....our guns and fishing poles will be taken from us next by PETA,the HSUS and Senator Allard. Better move to Cuba as you'll have more rights there!!!!
MIKE R
PLEASE VOTE NO TO THIS ...ALSO THIS IS FOR YOU JENNIFER...IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE COCK FIGHTS THEN DONT ATTEND,BUT SHOULD THE PEOPLE THAT DO LIKE THEM QUIT ? TO ANSWER YOUR OTHER QUESTION...2 MEN WOULD NOT STAY IN THERE AND FIGHT TO THE DEATH..BECAUSE GOD DIDN'T MAKE INTEND FOR MAN TO DO SO....IT'S NO DIFFERENT THAN CABLE TV...IF YOU DON'T LIKE A PROGRAM TURN THE CHANNEL...DON'T MAKE IT A FELONY CAUSE YA DONT LIKE THE SHOW....ONE LAST QUESTION JENNIFER...DO YOU IN YOUR HEART REALLY FEEL THAT COCK FIGHTERS SHOULD GO TO PRISON WITH CHILD MOLESTERS,MURDERERS,ARSONISTS AND MORE CRIMINALS ??
Doug Wheeler
This bill is not needed. There are far more important law enforcement issues in our country that need to be adressed. The bill is too severe. The bill does not reflect the findings of the USDA, but instead presents the desires of the HSUS who as a non-profit organization should not be allowed to purchase legislation through the funding of legislators.
LARRY HAUN
Lets quit killing unborn children before we worry too much about chickens. I guess next you will want me to eat grass. If you have any conscience at all vote this bad bill down.
Keith
Not only do I think that this bill should be killed immediately, but that many of the restrictions that have been placed on farmers, ranchers, hunters, fishermen, trappers, gun owners and pet owners should also be rescinded What is needed more is for there to be legislation that governs lobbyist. As citizens of this country we should have access to information on who is lobbying our elected officials, which elected officials or members of their staffs are receiving money or help from these lobbyists, how much money are they spending trying to get legislation passed, and to revoke the tax exempt status of those organizations that violate their tax exempt status. (ex. PETA) . It is appalling to me the rate at which we are losing our rights as citizens of the USA. This nation was founded as a Republic, this way the wishes of one group could not take away the rights of other groups simply because they do not approve.
Duane Howard - RTKGames
It makes me sick to think that I spent 8 years in the Air Force to protect the already very limited freedoms left to law abiding Americans. It makes me sick only because these freedoms are being auctioned to the highest bidder. If it keeps up like this, soon PETA, HSUS, ALF, and others will have our Congress passing laws to add, at the very least, a sin tax to steak. Not long after that, we'll all have to take our steaks outside so the other diners won't be subjected to the brutish nature of evil meat eaters. Does this sound as stupid to others as it does me? I certainly hope so. If bills like these are allowed to pass, it will only be a matter of time. Please kill this trash legislation and focus on issues that truly affect our country. A felony to fight a chicken? Better to stiffen up the penalties on real criminals. As to HR 137, another piece of garbage, I have only this to add: The postal system in this country is as embattled as many other firms being slowly destroyed by senseless legislation. Revenue is created when these birds are sent through the postal service. Airlines that have already filed for bankruptcies will also lose another source of income. Does Congress truly want to send the message that one of America's great institutions is slowly trying to destroy us all? May common sense prevail in the end. Duane Howard
TOMMYHAWK
VOTE NO TO THIS TRASH PLEASE
James Vance
I think there ain't anything wrong with fighting chickens because its what we do and were the one who makes the money to buy our chickens I Say NO to this bunch of crap.... I think we should keep chicken fighting because I dont see anything wrong with it
ITS WHAT WE DO DONT TAKE IT AWAY.....
James Vance
joshua vance
I dont think its right that they wanna take whats rightfully ours this has been around for generations ive been raisen chickens for 12 years and i am not giving it up spent to long and to hard on these chickens for them to be taken away thank you
Joshua Vance
Jimmy Willard Feltner
I think this bill is flat out stupid this is taking all of our rights i think us cockfighters need to stand up in what we belive in and make a stand i have been a fighter for 13 years its what i do for a living a support my family. So please dont vote with them vote with us the people who is right !!
jr perez
ithink this bill is wrong.because im a young man im 24 years old i like this sport it kept me out of trouble back in the days.this sport got me and my dad closer together. we bond more now and we talk more.i think the reason i like the sport is because im with my dad..
Eliza
I have read through every one of these comments, and I have to say, very few of you made good points. I kept seeing "human freedom" "human rights" and other related points, but how exactly is cruelty to animals a human right? I also read a (very rude) response to jennifer's comment. Mike R, this is for you: I don't attend events I don't enjoy, and when the events are truly harmless, I don't oppose them for other's enjoyment. However, cockfighting is not just a fun sport. It's a fight to the death. If a man wants to jump in a pair of spandex shorts and wrestle with another man, I'll let him, but when animals are being encouraged to fight, I get mad. To willingly and knowingly participate in an activity with others that are just as aware of the circumstances as you are, that's one thing. But that's not what cockfighting is. It isn't just two chickens in a feild, it's not natural.
Eliza
jr perez, you like watching cockfights because somehow the death of a helpless animal brought you closer to your dad. I think if that's the only thing on earth that could bring you together, there is something horribly wrong. I don't know if the fault lies in you, your dad, or the relationship you have, but there is a problem that needs to be worked out.
And Jimmy Willard Feltner, you referred to yourself as a "fighter". I am curious as to why. You are not the one in the pen with another creature wondering which one of you is going to die. You don't fight. If you feel you need some title to support your large ego and make you feel tough, pick one that is either true, or that doesn't take someone elses work and claim that it's your own.
Whether you're voting yes or no is a whole other story, but I refuse to accept animal cruelty as being "human nature" and leave it at that.
Thurston Poltorak
How many laws do these nut balls want?Seems that a guy cant breathe any more without breaking a law.Enough is enough!
IrishRed
Eliza get a life, and get off your high horse. To answer your ridiculous mindset on a subject you obviously know NOTHING about.
"It isn't just two chickens in a feild, it's not natural."
Three of my young stags which were running together got wet, and fought until one was dead, and another was beat senseless the other day.
They didn't give a rip whether ANY human was around or not. Without my presence to put a stop to it by seperating them, they refused to quit. It's as simple as that, WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.
Yfis,
IrishRed
IrishRed
"You are not...in the pen..."
Eliza IF you don't know about a subject don't open your mouth, and show us all how ignorant you are.
NO ONE forces a gamecock to fight, especially in a pen.
"You don't fight."
Yes we're fighting every day for our fowl against ignorant, know it alls like you.
We'll never quit either, because we believe in personal freedoms which harm no one else.
"If you feel you need some title to support your large ego..."
Your right your ego, and ignorance show blatantly throughout both your posts.
You need to get, as well as learn, about life before running others down over a past time which isn't forced upon anyone.
"...I refuse to accept animal cruelty...and leave it at that."
Makes two of us. That's why I don't look down upon other's past times if I'm totally ignorant (like you are) of what they are doing, or what is involved.
Yfis,
IrishRed
joann clawson
how can they justify spending my hard earned tax money to chase people with chickens and make them a felon when they cant fix our sorry roads, the homeless, abortion,all these illegal aliens taking all our jobs.i believe as an american citizen you have taken away enough of our rights.vote no to these bills!!!
clyde nelson
do the hsus and members of the judiciary committee think cock fighting is more inhumane than sucking a baby,s brains out of it,s head to kill it during an abortion? do they think that all the murders committed in the usa or do they think all the school shooting and killing were committed by a cockfighters children? you can be absolutely sure they were not committed by any child of agamefowl breeder.
Eliza
IrishRed: I never said that animals don't fight in nature, I said that it's not natural when they have razors attached to them and are poked and pestered into fighting each other to the death. And fighting to keep your gamecock does not count as fighting. The chickens are the ones doing the work, not you.
Eliza
"personal freedoms which harm no one else." do you think when you speak? what do you mean they harm no one? the entire point is that chickens are fighting, which, and you can't even attempt to argue with me on this, results in injuries. Explain to me how that isn't harming anyone. This past time as you call it isn't forced upon any people, it is however, forced upon the chickens, and I don't care what you think of me, or my “ignorance”, you can't deny that animals have no say in what happens to them when in the care of a "fighter", and that entertainment should be limited to those who actually desire to be involved. You keep insisting that I'm ignorant, and that I should "learn about life". Please, tell me what you think I should do, share with me your wisdom that makes you think you are more eligible than me to make these decisions.
Keith
Eliza, Nobody forces these chickens to fight. If left to run on a free range they will fight and kill one another. If these animals had a say they would choose to fight. A chicken is not a person. People get in less trouble for forcing children to fight than the people who allow chickens to fight. How many rights are you willing to loose? I am tired of loosing my rights to whoever will buy the most politicians.
Eliza
I am so sick of other people's stupidity, I'm not even going to argue. You're only proving your own ignorance and insensitivity.
IrishRed
Explain to me how that isn't harming anyone."
There's no need for me to explain it since you just did it for the both of us. Key word: ANYONE.
ANYONE DOES NOT=ANYTHING.
HUMAN DOES NOT=CHICKEN.
"This past time as you call it isn't forced upon any people..."
Thanks for acknowledging this, I appreciate it.
"...it is however, forced upon the chickens..."
You keep sticking your foot in your mouth, but that's okay by me.
I had three stags that got wet, couldn't recognize each other in their pecking order the other day, and fought till one was beat senseless, and another one was stone cold dead.
They managed to do this because I wasn't around to stop them Eliza.
They didn't give a rip who, or what else was around at the time. I've had gamecocks & stags keep fighting even if stray dogs, coyotes, foxes, or bobcats attacked them while they were fighting.
IrishRed
"...and I don't care what you think of me, or my “ignorance”
You keep proving your ignorance of what you're caterwauling over Eliza. You are also completely oblivious to other's rights of freedom, personal expression, etc.
"you can't deny that animals have no say in what happens to them when in the care of a "fighter"
They can leave a fight, and live or die as they please. If that's too much for you to accept, you are to be pitied for trying to dominate other living creatures w/your "I know what's best for you attitude" which you continue to display Eliza.
"and that entertainment should be limited to those who actually desire to be involved."
One last time, and maybe it will penetrate your virtual wall of ignorance ma'am.
They could care less whether people, or other creatures, are around or not when they fight. No one EVER forces them to fight, end of story whether you want it to be this way or not, tis the truth of the matter ma'am.
IrishRed
"You keep insisting that I'm ignorant..."
Unfortunately Eliza you not only continue to display your ignorance, but contempt for other's pastimes which do NOT involve you.
So I'm sorry, but yes ma'am. You are seemingly a very ignorant person when it comes to this subject. If you, as well as other humaniac/maniacs would simply take time to learn, you might understand us.
All any of you wish to do is dictate to other people, as per what they should feel, think, do, etc.
"and that I should "learn about life"
Oh yeah, you certainly need to learn about life, as well as get one.
"Please, tell me what you think I should do, share with me your wisdom that makes you think you are more eligible than me to make these decisions."
Ask and ye shall receive ma'am.
IrishRed
In the future w/new humaniac intolerance, ignorance, and contempt for other's personal privacy, personal freedom's, ETC. I present:
Eliza's Butterfly Collection.
Eliza enjoyed collecting butterflies, BUT didn't have any say in the matter.
They were caught, put to sleep in a bottle, and mounted in a collection case.
Wayne psychotic head of HSUS didn't care for what Eliza, or other butterfly collectors, were doing.
He stated, "Butterflies have rights equal to those human beings."
Wayne said what Eliza was doing was inhumane.
Eliza said, "They're butterflies, I just like to look at them in my collection case!
What's wrong w/what I'm doing? I'm not harming ANYONE, and the male butterflies often fight to the death anyway, get ate, ETC.
So were's the harm???"
Wayne didn't agree though, so Eliza was locked up w/the other felons in prison.
Yfis,
IrishRed
Steff
Animals were not put here for humans to exploit
IrishRed
"Animals were not put here for humans to exploit"
What are they here for then?
Try to actually make a point, rather than parrot animal rights terrorist dribble.
POPCORN35
A HUMAN LIFE MEANS NOTHING TO THEM.THEY GETTING PAID TO SEE A HUMAN DIE FORGET THE HUMANS SAVE THE ANIMALS.....AT THE END THEY GONNA SAY F..K THE ANIMALS SAVE YOURSELF.....GEZZZZZZZ THEY GOT LIFE MESSEDUP....AND THEY THE BRAINS OF THIS FREE WORLD???
f the government
i dont care what anyone thinks. cocking was here before any of us and will be here after any of us. as for my rights as an american I WILL FIGHT. we did it before we can do it again. this whole mess is going to cause a revolution. VOTE NO ON THIS SILLY BILL AND SAVE AMERICA,
Silva
Why does Washngton focus there time and money on this issue? There are bigger issues that government officials should try to fix. this sport is made of good hard working people that care very much to thier fowl and take that priviledge away from is just like takeing their livelyhood. I oppose the passing of this bill
GRAVEDIGGER
I have been trying to find out if the mall shooter ever saw a chicken. Near as I can figure if he had some games to feed and love several people would still be alive today. Say no to this insanity Washington.
POPS
LET THE COUNTRY BOYS HAVE THEIR GAME BIRDS AND LET THEM FIGHT. WORRY ABOUT BUSTING THE DRUG DEALERS THAT ARE SELLING DRUGS TO OUR KIDS. THE NATURE OF A GAME CHICKEN IS TO FIGHT WHETHER WE PUT THEM TOGETHER OR NOT. ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE A GAME CHICKEN SERVE THE PRISON TERM FOR KILLING THE OTHER? THINK NOT, SO WHY MAKE THE GAME CHICKEN OWNERS SERVE TIME FOR SOMETHING THE CHICKEN HAS IN IT'S BLOOD. VOTE "NO" TO THIS CRAZY LAW.
R. Covey
Oppose S.261 stand up for our rights oppose hsus their out to destroy America and its people. ADIOS- GOD BLESS AMERICA
GLEN ADAMS
WE NEED LAWS PASSED PERTAINING TO CRIMES AGAINST HUMANS, TERRORISTS CROSS OUR BORDERS AND WE WANT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CHASING CHICKENS??
ANDREW ADAMS
"AS LONG AS THE ALMIGHTY PERMITS INTELLIGENT MEN, CREATED IN HIS LIKENESS, TO FIGHT AND KILL EACH OTHER WHILE THE WORLD LOOKS ON APPROVINGLY IT'S NOT FOR ME TO DEPRIVE THE CHICKENS OF THE SAME PRIVILEGE." ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16TH PRESIDENT
Patience
My dad is a school teacher. My dad is a wonderful father to me and my three step siblings. My dad is a faithful, loving, caring hudsband to my step mom. My dad attends church regularly. My dad pays his taxes. My dad is law biding citizen. My dad also fights chickens. So I just dont see where anyone in their right mind thinks they have the right to tell him he cant fight chickens. No, you dont have to like fighting chickens. No, you dont have to agree with it. But if you dont, you can take your peta loving butt and stay out of his buisness. No one is making you fight chickens. No one is holding you down making you watch one. So why try and take it away from him. its what he loves to do. if you take it away what will you take away next? my fishing trip this weekend? or maybe my hunting trip next winter? I say let 'em fight!
les
I vote let chicking fighting forever, I you do to. thank you
kenneth
why dont the goverment and all animal rights groups take the money and wasted time on worrying about animals and spend it on the men,women,andchildren thats starving in this great world we live in instead of wasteing all the million worrying about telling you and me how to live and lineing our great goverments pockets so they can worry about achicken. spend all that money on the people i bet the animal right people have not thought about the people they could help with all the money they waste trying too tell people how they should or should not live but the way they see it to heck with the people as long as we waste all that time and money on animals
NubbinRidge
I raise game fowl to carry on the bloodlines of our founding forefathers. Not just the sports, but our countries forefathers has been proven to fight these gamecocks. Without these cocks showing true gameness, who's to say that they would have had the nerve to stand up like they did.
I say, quit trying to take our rights away, let the American people be proud of what has been passed down for generations in many families! Let us raise and test our fowl for the purity of gameness just as our forefathers have for years.
I say watch the news about the antis being cruel to horses, dogs, cats and others... fight them first, and leave us be!!
Mark Marsh
Al Sanchez is completely right. What gives the right of a special interest to force others to live life as they see fit? A felony offense for owning a chicken???? I thought we lived in a free country and looked down upon countries like Cuba and China that persecuted their people. Oh thats right...abuse a puppy or chicken,and do 3 years in prison,but rape a child or sell drugs and do a few months. No wonder this country is so screwed up!!
Holly
I am wondering what percentage of the folks who have so passionately commented here have even voted in the last 2 elections. Where are all of you when there is legislation for childrens rights? But try to make it a law you can not abuse a chicken and you come out of the woodwork.
Eliza
well, considering it's not yet legal for 15 year olds to vote, I don't think you can blame me for that Holly. Bet you're all really glad you got so worked up over the comments of a teenager.
Cocker
Holly, I doubt many of you IDIOTS who BLINDLY support this piece of ara SPONSORED TRASH LEGISLATION even have a clue as to what is being legislated.
I vote in every election, am a first grade teacher, love my children, and love gamefowl.
I don't care for those who would abuse a child, or a baby chick, and would stand up for either of the aforementioned.
How about you Holly? Would you stand up for my rights? How about the rights of MY children, or the baby chicks I raise? Or maybe you'd take both my kids, and baby chicks away IF you could?!!
GET A LIFE HOLLY, AND QUIT TRYING TO INTERFERE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S!!!
zoooooooooms
history repeats its self .freedom is paved with the blood of our forefathers .treasure what has been passed to us american rights and freedoms protect your american history and heratage .our history is part of what makes us americans .it takes all kinds to make the world go round live and let live the world cannot exist on one way of thinking .if it gets to that point we as americans have lost everything .so please vote no on hr.137 and s261 thanks. united we stand .
Eric
Thrilled to see this bill pass the House by such a wide margin (303 cosponsors after all). Should pass the Senate soon. Just because something is a tradition doesn't make it right!
Irishcutt
Who Kills more animals then the H$U$ or PETA???? But since they dont contribute to any animal welfare and are enjoying the money they take under false pretenses its up to the local animal shelters to kill them. Anytime an animal is taken in to a shelter it's an automatic death sentence if it isn't saved in 7 days!!! You can talk to these fanatics who want to kill our children by not allowing research to create life saving drugs and other researches that will save lives because they dont want a rat to be sacrificed. Id be willing to bet that it was ALF and other animal rights terrorists supporters that put the poison in the feed that is sweeping the country today..
Jessica
There is no starting point on how this bill is wrong. If you take away chicken fighting you take away someone's whole life. It is also a hobbie that did at one time keep people out of trouble. These chickens are peoples pride and joy. They are given shelter, food, medical attention, love, and care. How is that cruel? If simply letting them do what they are born to do is cruel the every person is guilty of some sort of animal cruelty. People sould then not be able to own any type of animal. What about hunters and fishers? Are they cruel too? Fighting chickens go through less pain than a person partisipating in a physical sport. What about boxing, football, soccer, the olympics? Should we all just go ahead and give all animals the same rights as humans. Then they can work to make money for a living, drive a car, sit in front of a computer, found guilty of murder, human cruelty. These are just a few items for this topic. Why not fight chicken?
Cocker
Guess what Eric? (and all the other prissy little pond scum like you)
The one's of us who are hardcore cockers could CARE LESS what the oppressive branches of government think, or do in the end.
We'll still be showing our fowl, no matter what type of oppressive, unconstitutional laws are passed.
An there's not a da** thing high, brow, look down your nose, stick your nose in everyone else's business pudwack's like you Eric can do about it.
Keep it in mind bub we'll still show 'em, and you can't stop us. LOL
Charlie Meyer
This is not an 'animal rights' issue, it's an animal welfare and common decency issue. Animal fighting is a barbaric remnant of the past, and should be consigned to the dustbin of history, along with its' proponents and every politician who voted against this bill. Animal fighting participants belong in prison. Perhaps meaningful enforcement will remind the sickos that felons can't possess firearms. 'Freedom' and 'sport' my foot; animal fighting is just wrong! Enjoy prison, animal fighters.
PolloLoco
Yo Voto que No , OPPOSE S.231 and HR 137 these bills are agianst our CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS by voteing NO
Korn
I think the animal rights activist need to put more time and effort into things that are hurting our Nation and people that are here to be free and enjoy life. If they would put half the time & effort into stopping the murder of innocent people, then they could put a bill in that we would all be for. Who the hell are these people anyway and are they Americans? I vote for the rights & liberties of people to be free.
BamaBreeder
What would George Washington say today to these animal rights activists? Would he tell them to get a life? I believe he would. We have fought everyone for all the freedoms we have in America, and now other Americans are trying to take certain rights away. They need to get a life and fight for something that really matters like the rights of humans to be treated better. It is a crying shame that you would get a smaller sentence and bond if you hit someone with your car, then you would if you are caught fighting a chicken. What gives?
BamaBreeder
To Eliza: have you ever seen two gamecocks. If they can get to each other they will fight to kill with no knives, only natural spurs. They will peck each others heads until they can peck no more. You should be more concerned with the the crazy people in this world that harm humans than concerned with a chicken that does what is only natural instinct to it.
KBaby
What people DO NOT REALIZE is that chicken fighting and dog fighting are two different things. Let me point out that game roosters do not have to be given any medicine, drugs, or anything and can be put together and it's automatic instinct to them to fight. With dogs it is a completely different ball game.
Also, why is the government so worried about chickens and dogs when there are far worse people in the country doing FAR WORSE things? In my opinion, SOME PEOPLE need to get their priorities straight...
Everyone vote against this bill. It's probably the dumbest thing I've EVER heard of.
Kas
Well this bill sure shows where our politicians heads are. Chicken fighting has been a hobby for many men and women for years. Is it really fair to the pits that do not participate in drug use or gambling? I believe that people in this country need to be worrying about the gangs,increasing violence, abortions, etc. May I add that dogs are trained to fight and it is a gamecock's natural instinct to fight. In my opinion, gamecocks & dogs shouldn't even be put in the same catagory. Cocking is a hobby that a numerous amount of people really enjoy, and this bill should not hinder them from participating in something they truly love. I say no to this bill simply because I definetly do not think that it is fair or intelligent.
JB
I'm appalled by the comments about this bill. If watching a poor chicken fight to its death is your one enjoyment in life than I feel heartfully sorry for you. It is NOT natural let alone humane to put animals in these situations and to raise them to be overly aggressive.
CB
We own our own company work every day and we raise fighting cocks no shame in it The people we are around that do the same are normal hard working people too. Trying to make ends meet. I always thought IF YOU DON'T KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT SOMETHIN DON'T WORRY WITH IT YOU LIKE THE MALL I LIKE TO FIGHT!!!!!
kybreeder
i think it is ridiculous that this bill has passed, everyday it seems we are getting our rights taken away,there should be a lawsuit against this bill, it is unconstitutional.
Thank you
ky breeder
Jason
Freedom???? We are losing it little by little everyday. Our country has thousands of other issues that are a lot more inportant, like Bin Laden killing us all! This bill is ignorant.
PJ Moore
ALL will BE 'felons', by walking in our own yard and step on an ant, if Bills as HR 137 continue. If you don't like Cockfighting than stay away, but don't take it away. The Humane Society can say anything..."possibility of avian flu"...and starts everyone into a panic! The problems NOT gambling, kids being around, or even drugs! ITS THE ANTIS for our rights... It was the Humane Society and their one-sided truth of facts. I SAY, CHICKENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO FIGHT! Rock out with your cock out!...as Badwater would say!.... thanks congress for taking away our rodeos, eggs, zoo, circus when you approved this BILL.
Tom
I think we should give two children guns and bet on which will shoot first.
Lil Vic
Cockfighting does not compare with dog fighting. Every state in the US already has some form of dog fighting, animal cruelty, or cockfighting law on its books. In 2006 there were only 75 cases of illegal cockfighting compare this to the
14,062 cases of murder and homicide
25,528 case of forcible rape
114,616 cases of robbery
449,297 of aggravated assault
1,146,696 cases of theft and larceny
1,371,919 cases of DUI
129,128 offenses against children and family
900,000 children abused or neglected (one every 35 seconds!)
797,500 children reported missing
Compare the cockfighting cases to the above statistics and you'll find state laws are doing a more than adequate job. This law is not needed nor is it wanted. In 2005 there were 2,193,798 prisoners in our prison system. Our law enforcement has enough to do without chasing chicken farmers. Our farmers do not belong in prison just so our government can feel good about stroking Wayne Pacelle's ego.
Clara
Wow, there are a LOT of ignorant men here - juts look at how they write. Anyway, I agree with the women here...this is NOT an inherent right given that we humnas have (I don't care if you are a veteran of war or not); it's inhumane and malicious and has NOTHING to do with your basic rights (what a ridiculous argument! ). If the only way to prevent you all from thinking that it is ok to fight animals is implementing a law, then I am ALL FOR IT. Given the ignorance that most of you are showing, it is clear that we need government intervention. I for one WOULD like my taxes to go towards opposing this cause. I suggest those of you who like the "sport" do something more constructive in life, like volunteering in your local community, read a book, take a class to occupy your time, or if you are really consumed by the adrenaline from fighting, put on some spandex and invite your friends for a fight party amongst yourselves.
lynn
What do they think will happen to all these cocks if they can't fight them . lol dinner!!!
BOB GOODE
#1 - there is a DIRECT CORRELATION between animal violence and domestic violence, including homicide. Verified fact.
#2 - Domestic pets such as small dogs, cats and rabbits are stolen by dogfighters so that they can be used as bait. This is also a verified fact.
#3 - Gandhi said,"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Also a fact.
#4 - Not one comment opposing this bill is grammatically correct. Either spelling, punctuation, or word misuse is abundant in EVERY SINGLE OPPOSING COMMENT. Also a fact. Sort of indicates the intelligence level of the opponents, don't you think?
#5 - This Bill does not endorse the eating of grass, as was previously indicated by another intelligent commenter. Again, fact.
Robin
Actually I don't think they took the bill far enough. What about the conditions where these cocks are raised and the neighbors who have to listen to all the noise from these roosters. Isn't that an infringememnt on my freedoms too! What are the laws against raising them around residential areas, especially the rural areas.....there should be laws on where these animals can be raised because of the noise level! They didn't take this bill far enough!