Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Lawmakers highlight need for legislation to end animal fighting

Lawmakers highlight need for legislation to end animal fighting

House Democrats will introduce bill to fund investigations of animal fighting

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    February 19, 2025 | 1:34 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 19 – Lawmakers heard firsthand how animal fighting continues to be a barbaric crime against animals, but it also remains a cluster crime that spreads harm and illegal acts throughout Pennsylvania communities.

“Animal fighting still exists, and testifiers detailed how and why Pennsylvania needs to fund criminal investigations to combat animal fighting and care for its victims,” said House Majority Policy Committee Vice Chair Rep. Mary Isaacson, who represents portions of Philadelphia.

The House Majority Policy Committee and Legislative Animal Protection Caucus held a joint hearing on fighting animal fighting. A recording of the hearing’s livestream can be found here.

State money exists to combat illegal gambling, and House Democrats plan to introduce a bill to allow law enforcement to access those funds to crack down on animal fighting and address the needs of victims involved in this criminal enterprise. Testifiers detailed how animal fighting is a breeding ground for violence and criminal activity, including child sexual assault, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, domestic violence and money laundering. 

Wednesday’s House Majority Policy hearing featured testimony from Patrick Knoll a Humane Society police officer from the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area and Janette Reever, a deputy manager of animal fighting investigations from the Humane World for Animals.

Information about this hearing and other House Majority Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy. Photos to be used for publication can be found at pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/Galleries.