Oregon Department of Justice

On Thursday, June 12, 2008, Attorney General Hardy Myers will announce with Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) and The Humane Society of the United States a new joint effort designed to reduce the incidence of cockfighting and dogfighting in Oregon.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

1:30 p.m.

Capitol Press Room

Room 43 State Capitol

Community leaders and representatives from law enforcement agencies and animal service organizations will join the Attorney General as he announces the creation of a new tip hotline hosted by the Oregon Department of Justice in which members of the general public will be encouraged to submit information about illegal cockfighting or dogfighting in Oregon. The Humane Society of the United States will discuss its pledge to pay a $5,000 reward to anyone whose information leads to arrest and conviction of an animal fighter.

Cockfighting and dogfighting are serious crimes that are often associated with other illegal activity such as drug trafficking. In recent years, at the urging of The Humane Society of the United States, Senate President Peter Courtney led legislative efforts to enhance the crimes and penalties for cockfighting and dogfighting in Oregon.