Senator John Ensign, a veterinarian and lead author of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act, released the following statement as Louisiana becomes the 50^th and final state to outlaw cockfighting.

“In the United States Senate, we have taken monumental steps in stopping the barbaric practices of animal fighting.  Last year the Animal Fighting Prohibition Act was signed into law, and already it has helped crack down on these grotesque practices that breed violence, crime and disease. 

“For too long Louisiana was the only state that allowed bird fighting, a horrific practice that promotes severe animal cruelty and widespread violence.  This marks another historic step forward as Louisiana’s state ban goes into effect tomorrow.”

Additional information on Animal Fighting and related legislation is included below:

The Animal Fighting Prohibition Act was signed into law on May 3, 2007.  The law makes transporting animals across state lines for the purpose of fighting a felony and gives law enforcement greater ability to crack down on the practice. The bill was supported by the National Sheriffs' Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association and all animal protection organizations.  Senator Ensign was instrumental in this bill’s being signed into law.