End Animal Fighting in Virginia

H.B. 656 has passed through many hurdles, passing the House by a vote of 93-2 and now will be up for a vote on the Senate floor! This is the last stop for this legislation before the Governor's desk -- and the last chance for the cockfighting lobby to try to introduce weakening amendments. Please act now on this priority legislation.

The Virginia Gamefowl Breeders Association (VGBA) now employs four lobbyists. This week alone, the cockfighters tried to introduce two amendments to the animal fighting bills. The first would have allowed legal cockfighting at 9 pits affiliated with the VGBA and the second would have allowed them to be licensed and regulated. Recognizing that this would make Virginia a laughingstock in a country where cockfighting is illegal in every state, legislators did not fall for their ploy. But we expect the cockfighters to fight until the bitter end and we need your help to stop them.

Please contact your state senator...and urge support for H.B. 656 in its current form and not to allow any weakening amendments.

TAKE ACTION
Please make a brief, polite phone call to [your state senator].

When making your call, you will likely speak to a staff member who can pass your message along to your legislator. Please remember to be polite and professional and leave your name and address so it is clear that you are a constituent. You can say:

   "Hello, my name is [your name] and I am calling from [your city] to ask Senator Whipple to support H.B. 656 in its current form and not to allow any weakening amendments from the cockfighting lobby. Thank you."

After making your call, send a follow-up email to your senator in support of strengthening the penalties for animal fighting.

Finally, please be sure to tell your friends and family in Virginia how they can help, too.

Thank you for your help at this critical time!

Sincerely,

Mike Markarian
Executive Vice President
The Humane Society of the United States

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