The Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association is pressing for legislative action to curb animal fighting and its associated criminal activities. In an open letter, the association representing sheriffs across the state’s 67 counties urged Pennsylvania’s Congress to back a series of bipartisan measures aimed at dismantling crime rings linked to these inhumane practices.
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Endorsement of Bipartisan Measures
The association’s appeal centers on three key legislative proposals: the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act (H.R. 1477), the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act (H.R. 3946/S. 1454), and the No Flight, No Fight Act (H.R. 7371). James E. Still, ott, president of the association and sheriff of Blair County, emphasized that organized animal fighting is often intertwined with illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, and other organized criminal activities. Ott described the proposed bills as offering “practical tools” to help law enforcement dismantle these networks and enhance public safety. Fayette County Sheriff James Custer echoed these sentiments, stating that animal fighting is “always linked to illegal gambling, drug trafficking, or other criminal activity.” Custer urged Congress to pass these measures to “give law enforcement the tools we need to better combat these dangerous enterprises.”
Chester Raid Highlights Issue
The gravity of the problem was underscored by a recent cockfighting raid in Chester, Pennsylvania. The operation led to 25 arrests, the seizure of over 50 birds, and the discovery of a well-organized cockfighting ring operating out of a warehouse. This raid, conducted with the aid of state police, local law enforcement, and the Pennsylvania SPCA, highlighted the persistent threat organized animal fighting poses to public safety in Pennsylvania and nationwide. In May, the US House took a related step by approving The Greyhound Protection Act of 2025, incorporated into the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, signaling a potential nationwide ban on greyhound racing.
Details of Proposed Legislation
The ACE Act aims to establish a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes section within the US Department of Justice to enhance the enforcement of federal animal cruelty and fighting laws. Meanwhile, the FIGHT Act seeks to empower federal agencies to target illegal gambling linked to animal fights, extending criminal forfeiture authority and offering new tools to dismantle criminal enterprises. The No Flight, No Fight Act proposes banning the shipping of roosters for fights via US mail, aiming to curb national and global trafficking of fighting animals. Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action, said, “The endorsement of these measures by sheriffs representing every county in Pennsylvania sends a powerful message that Congress should provide law enforcement with the tools needed to combat these criminal enterprises.” This endorsement is further backed by organizations such as the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National District Attorneys Association.
Looking Ahead
The fate of these bills now lies in the hands of Congress. The push for their passage signals a broader effort within law enforcement circles to address the intertwined issues of animal cruelty and organized crime. As Pennsylvania’s sheriffs continue to advocate for these measures, the expectation is set for a legislative decision in the coming months.
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