The FIGHT Act of 2025 strengthens federal protections against cockfighting by amending the Animal Welfare Act to explicitly prohibit gambling on animal fighting ventures, including in-person and broadcast events. The bill expands enforcement tools by allowing private citizens to sue violators in federal court for up to $5,000 per violation (after providing 60 days' notice to the Secretary of Agriculture and local law enforcement) and permits the government to seize property used to facilitate cockfighting. The legislation also bans using the U.S. Postal Service or other interstate commerce methods to transport roosters for fighting purposes. The bill affects cockfighting participants, gambling operations, and anyone involved in transporting animals for these illegal ventures, and it does not preempt state or local animal fighting laws except in cases of direct conflict.
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