StarBulletin.com

State rapped for lax animal-fighting laws


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POSTED: Sunday, February 08, 2009

When it comes to animal fighting, the Humane Society of the United States says, Hawaii has some of the worst laws in the nation.

Rankings compiled by the organization found Hawaii is 50th among the states and the District of Columbia in dogfighting laws. Hawaii is ranked 46th for its cockfighting laws.

Among other things, the Humane Society faulted Hawaii for having no legal penalties for spectators of cockfights or dogfights.

Inga Gibson, the Humane Society's Hawaii state director, says animal fighting would be greatly reduced, if not eliminated, in Hawaii if the state had a penalty for attending animal fights.

The Humane Society is urging state lawmakers to support pending legislation strengthening animal fighting laws.