SACRAMENTO –Assemblymember Pedro Nava and Eric Sakach, West Coast Director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to hold Capitol press conference to announce legislative initiative on dogfighting. The press conference will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 1190 at the State Capitol.

“California is the only western state where dogfighting spectators are subject to only misdemeanor prosecution. Recent events around the country brought to our consciousness this brutal and inhumane sport.  It is imperative that California join the 19 other states which have made it a felony to be a spectator at a dog fight,” said Nava.

"Dogfighting is a despicable and indefensible practice," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.  "Spectators finance dogfights through admission fees and gambling, and California's law is deficient in handling these people who cheer and enable this cruelty.  The Humane Society of the United States strongly backs Assemblyman Nava's efforts to crack down on the entire cast of characters involved in dogfighting."

Last year, dogfighting was brought to the nation’s attention due to a number of high profile cases. According to recent statistics, it is estimated that 40,000 people are involved in organized dog fighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters and more than 250,000 dogs die annually. Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between those arrested for animal abuse, including dog fighting, were also arrested for violent crimes against people. 

Who: Assemblymember Pedro Nava and Eric Sakach, West Coast Director for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) 

What: Press Conference to announce legislative initiative on Dogfighting  

When: Thursday, February 21, 2008, 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Governor’s Press Conference Room, Room 1190, State Capitol

Please contact John Mann in Assemblymember Nava’s Office for more information at 805-483-9808.