This bill, titled the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking Act of 2025 (FIGHT Act of 2025), aims to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act by providing greater protection for roosters. It specifically defines a "rooster" as any male member of the Gallus Domesticus species older than six months. A significant provision makes it unlawful for any person to gamble on an animal fighting venture , encompassing both in-person and broadcast events. The Act also expands prohibitions related to the use of interstate instrumentalities, making it unlawful to transport a rooster using such means, in addition to existing restrictions on advertising animal fighting ventures. To bolster enforcement, the bill introduces a mechanism for civil citizen suits , allowing individuals to seek injunctions against alleged violators. For each violation found in such suits, district courts may impose fines of up to $5,000. Before commencing a civil suit, a person must provide at least 60 days' notice to the Secretary and local law enforcement. These suits are limited if federal actions are already underway, and the Attorney General may intervene. Additionally, the bill mandates the seizure of real property , including land and improvements, that is used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture.
This bill, titled the Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-risk Trafficking Act of 2025 (FIGHT Act of 2025), aims to strengthen the Animal Welfare Act by providing greater protection for roosters. It specifically defines a "rooster" as any male member of the Gallus Domesticus species older than six months. A significant provision makes it unlawful for any person to gamble on an animal fighting venture , encompassing both in-person and broadcast events. The Act also expands prohibitions related to the use of interstate instrumentalities, making it unlawful to transport a rooster using such means, in addition to existing restrictions on advertising animal fighting ventures. To bolster enforcement, the bill introduces a mechanism for civil citizen suits , allowing individuals to seek injunctions against alleged violators. For each violation found in such suits, district courts may impose fines of up to $5,000. Before commencing a civil suit, a person must provide at least 60 days' notice to the Secretary and local law enforcement. These suits are limited if federal actions are already underway, and the Attorney General may intervene. Additionally, the bill mandates the seizure of real property , including land and improvements, that is used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture.