ACLU puts bite on dog-fighting bill

This suprised me that the ACLU got involved.

Look at the picture that in in the story.  That says a lot about the speechs that elected officials make.

See: http://www.sacbee.com/111/story/847395.html

Legislation that would allow authorities in California to seize property used for dog fighting dissolved Tuesday into a battle pitting canine lovers against the American Civil Liberties Union and defense attorneys.

The Senate Public Safety Committee put off a vote until next week after the ACLU and the California Public Defenders Association expressed concern the bill would elevate punishment for dog fighting to a level not accorded crimes against humans, including murder.

SB 1775 by Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, would allow the forfeiture of property used for dog fighting.

"What makes this measure different from past forfeiture measures this committee has seen is that the proceeds go to animal welfare organizations who rescue and rehabilitate fighting dogs," Calderon said at a news conference before the hearing.

Calderon cited statistics compiled by the Humane Society of the United States, which found that nationwide 40,000 people are involved in organized fighting, resulting in the death of 250,000 dogs each year.

Read more in Wednesday's Bee.