FIGHT Act of 2025
The FIGHT Act of 2025 would strengthen federal protections against animal fighting, with a focus on roosters used in cockfighting. It adds a formal definition of a rooster and broadens prohibitions to cover sponsoring, exhibiting, attending, and gambling on animal fighting ventures (including fights broadcast or hosted remotely). It also expands enforcement tools, allowing civil citizen suits, potential seizure of property used to facilitate violations, and fines for violators. The bill includes technical corrections to align with state laws and to clarify cross-border aspects such as transport and mail-related matters. Overall, the measure aims to curb cockfighting by tightening both criminal-style penalties and civil remedies, and by expanding how the federal government can pursue violations. The bill was introduced in the House (sponsored by Rep. Bacon and multiple co-sponsors) and referred to the Agriculture Committee. If enacted, it would amend the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. §2132 et seq.) to reinforce protections for roosters and to deter related gambing and trafficking activities across state lines.
Key Points
- 1Redefined rooster: A rooster is now defined as any male Gallus domesticus older than 6 months.
- 2Expanded prohibitions on animal fighting and gambling: It is unlawful to sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture, to attend such events (including ensuring no one under 16 attends), and to gamble on an animal fighting venture (whether in person or via broadcast).
- 3Transport prohibition for roosters: The Act expands to prohibit using interstate channels (including the mail) to transport a rooster for purposes related to animal fighting.
- 4Civil citizen suits and penalties: Any person may sue in federal court to enjoin violations, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation. A 60-day notice to the Secretary and local law enforcement is required before filing. The act sets rules on how suits proceed, when they can be stayed, and allows the Attorney General to intervene. Courts may award reasonable attorney and expert witness fees.
- 5Seizure and enforcement tools; technical corrections: Violations can lead to seizure of real property used to facilitate the violation, in addition to penalties. The bill also clarifies conflict with state law (not superseding state law except in direct conflicts) and makes a small technical cross-reference adjustment to the mailing code.