The Punishment Should Fit the Crime: Tell the U.S. Sentencing Commission to Crack Down on Animal Fighting!

Stronger Federal Animal Fighting Sentencing Guidelines
ASPCA Position: Support

Action Needed: Please use the form to urge the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend federal animal fighting sentencing guidelines to more accurately reflect the seriousness of this crime. The Commission is accepting public comments on this issue, so please speak up today.

In 2008, Congress acknowledged the depravity of animal fighting by raising the statutory maximum penalty to five years’ imprisonment in response to the horrific and highly publicized Michael Vick dog fighting case.

Unfortunately, current federal sentencing guidelines that many judges rely on for guidance when handing down penalties in animal fighting cases have yet to incorporate this increase and fail to reflect the heightened seriousness with which Congress, the public, and many judges view this crime.

The U.S. Sentencing Commission has proposed making the revision of the animal fighting sentencing guideline a priority. It is now accepting public comments on this issue, so please speak up today and spread the word.

What You Can Do
Please use the form below to join the ASPCA in encouraging the U.S. Sentencing Commission to amend the animal fighting sentencing guidelines to reflect the seriousness of this crime and affirm the brutality of animal fighting.

Thank you for being a voice for the victims of animal fighting!

Submit Your Comment Here