(Information courtesy of the Humane Society of the United States)

WHAT: Thanks in large part efforts by animal lovers like you, the Senate Agriculture Committee passed Senate Bill 345 on March 2^nd by voice vote. S. 345, introduced by Senator Wayne Allard (R-CO), would prohibit interstate transport of birds for cockfighting, closing a loophole left in the Animal Welfare Act since 1976 (cockfighting is the brutal practice of affixing razor-sharp blades to roosters’ legs and forcing them to fight to the death). This good news signals the beginning of the next phase of the battle to get this bill enacted. The timing for action by the full Senate and House is unknown, but everyone must work NOW to keep the momentum going.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Please, whether you have already done so or not, take the time to call AND fax letters to your Senators and Representative NOW, urging them to support S. 345/H.R. 1275. If they are not co-sponsors, urge them to sign on to these bills. You can find a current list of co-sponsors by going to thomas.loc.gov and putting "S. 345" in the search box for Senate and "H.R. 1275" in the search box for House. If you do not know who your Senators and Representative are or how to reach them, visit Project Vote Smart. While emails are helpful, this urgent situation requires phone calls and faxes! (see sample fax below):

March 3, 2000

Senator Dianne Feinstein

VIA FACSIMILE: 202-228-3954

Re: S. 345

Senator Feinstein:

As an animal lover and concerned citizen, I am writing to urge you to support Senate Bill 345. S345 will ban the interstate transport of birds for purposes of cockfighting. It will close the existing loophole in federal law that provides a smokescreen for cockfighters in 47 states where the practice is outlawed.

It is imperative that this brutal and illegal "sport" be eliminated. There is nothing desirable or healthy about pitting two helpless creatures against one another armed with razorblades so that spectators can make money and watch a death-match. There is a reason it is illegal in 47 states – because it offends our morals and sensibilities about the value of life. Our legal system needs to insure that this law is enforced and that violators are prosecuted.

Please use your position to better our society and uphold our American values. Please support Senate Bill 345. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

Sincerely,

Christina J. Johnson

123 Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90000