Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Calls for Stronger Federal Law Against Animal Fighting

Police chiefs, sheriffs, and district attorneys across the state urge Congress to pass the FIGHT Act to combat organized dogfighting and cockfighting rings.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In an unprecedented show of unity, law enforcement associations across Pennsylvania, including the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police, the Pennsylvania Sheriffs' Association, and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys' Association, have called on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee to include the bipartisan Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking (FIGHT) Act as part of the upcoming Farm Bill. This legislation would strengthen federal laws against the widespread criminal activities associated with dogfighting and cockfighting operations.

Why it matters

Animal fighting is not just an issue of animal cruelty, but also a threat to public safety, community health, and broader criminal networks. These illegal operations are often linked to firearms, drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crime. Law enforcement leaders in Pennsylvania say the FIGHT Act would provide critical tools to dismantle these organized crime rings that stretch across state and even national borders.

The details

Despite existing state and federal laws, dogfighting and cockfighting remain prevalent across the U.S., with an estimated 20 million fighting birds and thousands of illegal networks. Recent high-profile cases in Pennsylvania include a 2025 dogfighting bust in West Hazleton where 28 pit bulls were seized, and a cockfighting ring takedown in Bucks County that also involved narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement says the FIGHT Act would help address gaps in enforcement and coordination that allow these criminal syndicates to operate with relative impunity.

  • In 2025, Pennsylvania State Police impounded 28 pit bulls with signs of fighting in a West Hazleton dogfighting case.
  • Also in 2025, law enforcement in Bucks County broke up a cockfighting ring, with one perpetrator also convicted on narcotics charges.

The players

Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police

The statewide association representing police chiefs across Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Sheriffs' Association

The organization representing county sheriffs throughout Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association

The association of district attorneys from across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Glenn Thompson

U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania and Chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Animal Wellness Action

A national nonprofit organization focused on animal protection and welfare issues.

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What they’re saying

“Animal fighting 'is a threat to public safety, animal welfare, and community health,'”

— Scott L. Bohn, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police (northpennnow.com)

“Animal fighting is organized crime that threatens public safety and drains law enforcement resources. Sheriffs, prosecutors, and police leaders across Pennsylvania are united in calling on the House Agriculture Committee to advance the FIGHT Act now. It's time for Congress to move it forward.”

— James Custer, Sheriff of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and Board Member, National Sheriffs' Association (northpennnow.com)

“Pennsylvania's prosecutors deal with the real-world consequences of violent and organized crime, including animal fighting. When law enforcement and prosecutors across the Commonwealth speak with one voice, legislators should take note. The FIGHT Act reflects the on-the-ground experience of those who investigate and prosecute these crimes, and it is the common-sense step Congress should take to strengthen enforcement and protect our communities.”

— Kelly Callihan, Executive Director, Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (northpennnow.com)

What’s next

The House Agriculture Committee, chaired by Representative Glenn Thompson of Pennsylvania, will decide whether to include the FIGHT Act as part of the upcoming Farm Bill legislation.

The takeaway

This coordinated call to action by law enforcement leaders across Pennsylvania underscores the urgent need for Congress to strengthen federal laws against the organized criminal networks behind dogfighting and cockfighting. Passing the FIGHT Act would provide critical tools to disrupt these illicit operations that threaten public safety, animal welfare, and community health.