Congress must act now to stop the criminal networks fueling animal fighting, violence, and disease threats You can listen to an AI-generated reading of this story here: Today, an extraordinarily diverse set of lawmakers — representing the entire political spectrum in America, from right to center to left — introduced the FIGHT Act in the … Read more
Animal Fighting is the Pits
VERMILION PARISH, La. — A routine traffic stop in Vermilion Parish has resulted in felony animal cruelty and drug charges, after authorities discovered dozens of gamefowl, cockfighting paraphernalia, and narcotics inside a vehicle and trailer operated by Dion David Romero, according to local news reports. The case again underscores the widespread and barely concealed underground cockfighting network … Read more
Bipartisan legislation with 25 Republicans and 23 Democrats original cosponsors mirrors Senate bill and garners support from 800+ agencies and organizations, including the National Sheriffs’ Association, United Egg Producers, and American Gaming Association Washington, D.C. — In a legislative maneuver to crack down on the cruelty and organized crime associated with animal fighting, U.S. Representatives Don Bacon, … Read more
A political movement led by two Oklahoma cockfighters has spread across the nation, but can it continue with them documented on tape involved in cockfighting crimes? You can listen to an AI-generated reading of this story here: We knew all along that the two self-appointed national leaders of the effort to weaken our nation’s animal … Read more
Press Release Anthony Devore and Blake Pearce have raised money from other cockfighters across the nation to donate at least $70,000 to politicians in an attempt to decriminalize staged animal fights McIntosh County, OK — On successive weekends, undercover investigators with Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy recorded Anthony Devore and … Read more
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ind. — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, issued the following statement regarding the recent arrest of a Grantsburg couple in connection with illegal cockfighting activity uncovered following a vehicle incident in Harrison County: “Cockfighting is a grotesque and archaic form of cruelty that has … Read more
LOGAN COUNTY, Okla.— Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, issued the following statement regarding the Sunday, May 25, 2025, arrests of eight people in Logan County, Oklahoma, on charges related to cockfighting. “Cockfighting is a gruesome and senseless form of animal abuse, and it is rightly treated as a … Read more
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, issued the following statement regarding the recent arrest of 42 individuals in connection with an illegal cockfighting operation in southwest Miami-Dade: “Cockfighting is a grotesque and archaic form of cruelty that has no place in any community,” … Read more
MARENGO, Ill. — Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy, issued the following statement regarding the recent arrest in Marengo, Illinois, on charges related to cockfighting and animal cruelty: “Cockfighting is a gruesome and senseless form of animal abuse, and it is rightly treated as a felony under Illinois and … Read more
CHARLOTTE, NC — Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy applauded the arrest of Cameron Torrence of Mint Hill, N.C., following a viral video that showed an opossum being set on fire. Authorities say the suspect is facing felony animal cruelty charges. The organizations eagerly await additional news on arrests to follow. Public … Read more