H.R. 3946: FIGHT Act of 2025
Sponsor
Don Bacon
Republican · NE-2
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Jun 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Why it matters
Lawmakers are trying to close enforcement gaps around cockfighting, gambling, and rooster trafficking as animal-welfare groups spotlight organized fighting networks.
Another major provision would allow seizure of real property used to commit or facilitate sponsoring or exhibiting animals in fights. That is a strong enforcement step because it targets the physical sites and assets behind the activity. The bill does not include a new funding stream, so its impact would likely depend on how aggressively existing federal and local authorities choose to enforce it and whether Congress advances it through the House Agriculture Committee.
What does H.R. 3946 do?
Creates a legal definition of rooster
The bill defines a rooster as a male chicken of the Gallus domesticus species older than 6 months, giving federal law a clearer target for enforcement.
Bans gambling on animal fights
It makes it illegal to gamble on animal fighting ventures, including bets on live events and fights shown through broadcasts.
Blocks rooster transport through interstate channels
The bill prohibits using the Postal Service or other interstate means to transport roosters, aiming to disrupt the movement of birds used in cockfighting.
Allows citizen lawsuits
Private individuals could sue in federal court to stop alleged animal-fighting violations after giving 60 days' notice to the Agriculture Secretary and local law enforcement.
Adds fines in citizen cases
In those citizen-filed cases, courts could impose fines of up to $5,000 for each violation.
Permits seizure of property tied to fights
Real property used or intended to be used to commit or help carry out certain animal-fighting violations could be seized.
Who benefits from H.R. 3946?
Roosters and other animals used in fights
They would gain stronger legal protection through broader enforcement tools aimed at stopping organized fighting operations.
Federal and local law enforcement
They would get clearer authority to target betting, trafficking, and properties connected to animal fighting.
Animal welfare organizations
These groups would have stronger legal tools and, in some cases, the option to support or bring civil action against alleged violators.
Communities near fighting operations
They could benefit if tougher enforcement reduces criminal activity, illegal gambling, and nuisance activity tied to organized cockfighting venues.
Who is affected by H.R. 3946?
Cockfighting organizers and exhibitors
They would face tougher enforcement, including the risk of lawsuits, fines, and property seizure.
People who bet on animal fights
They would be directly exposed to a new federal ban on gambling tied to animal fighting ventures.
Rooster breeders, shippers, and traffickers tied to fighting networks
They would face new restrictions on moving roosters through the mail or other interstate channels.
Property owners hosting fights
Owners of land or facilities used to support illegal fights could risk losing those properties.
H.R. 3946 Common Questions
Can you be fined for betting on a cockfight shown online or on a broadcast?
Yes. Under the FIGHT Act of 2025, gambling on an animal fighting venture is illegal, including bets on fights shown by broadcast as well as live events (Sec. 2(b)).
How much is the fine in a citizen lawsuit under the FIGHT Act?
A court could impose up to $5,000 per violation in a citizen-filed case under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(d)).
Can private citizens sue to stop animal fighting under the FIGHT Act?
Yes. Any person may file a civil suit in U.S. district court to enjoin violations, but only after giving required notice under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(d)).
How long do you have to wait before filing a citizen suit under the FIGHT Act?
You must give at least 60 days' notice to the Agriculture Secretary and local law enforcement before suing, according to H.R. 3946 Sec. 2(d).
Can property used for cockfighting be seized under federal law?
Yes. Real property used or intended to be used to commit or facilitate sponsoring or exhibiting animal fights can be seized under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(d)).
Does the FIGHT Act ban mailing or interstate transport of roosters?
Yes. It makes it unlawful to use the Postal Service or other interstate instrumentalities to transport a rooster, under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(c)).
What counts as a rooster under the FIGHT Act?
The bill defines a rooster as any male Gallus domesticus older than 6 months under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(a)).
Is it illegal to bring a child under 16 to an animal fight under the FIGHT Act?
Yes. The bill prohibits causing an individual under age 16 to attend an animal fighting venture, according to H.R. 3946 Sec. 2(b).
Does the FIGHT Act override state or local animal fighting laws?
No. Under the FIGHT Act of 2025, federal law does not supersede state or local law unless there is a direct and irreconcilable conflict (Sec. 2(e)).
Which court hears a citizen animal-fighting lawsuit under the FIGHT Act?
The suit must be filed in the U.S. judicial district where the violation occurred under the FIGHT Act of 2025 (Sec. 2(d)).
Based on H.R. 3946 bill text
HR3946 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
Jun 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
About the Sponsor
Don Bacon
Republican, Nebraska's 2nd congressional district · 9 years in Congress
Committees: Agriculture, Armed Services
View full profile →
Cosponsors (145)
This bill has 145 cosponsors: 82 Democrats, 63 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 37 states: Arkansas, Arizona, California, and 34 more.
Glenn Grothman
Republican · WI
Ryan Zinke
Republican · MT
Andrew Garbarino
Republican · NY
Jack Bergman
Republican · MI
Brian Fitzpatrick
Republican · PA
Juan Ciscomani
Republican · AZ
Cliff Bentz
Republican · OR
Jefferson Van Drew
Republican · NJ
Nicole Malliotakis
Republican · NY
Daniel Webster
Republican · FL
Mark Amodei
Republican · NV
Scott Fitzgerald
Republican · WI
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Agriculture Committee
22 of 53 committee members cosponsored
24 Republicans across this committee haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does H.R. 3946 change?
2 changes
Sections Amended
Section 2 of Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2132)
adding at the end the following: ``(p) The term `rooster' means any male member of Gallus Domesticus species that is older than 6 months
Section 26(h) of Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. 2156(h))
read as follows: ``(h) Conflict With State Law
H.R. 3946 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Agriculture
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Animals
- Introduced
- Jun 12, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Jun 12, 2025
Official Sources
Full text of the FIGHT Act of 2025 as introduced in the 119th Congress
The core federal statute this bill amends, prohibiting sponsoring, exhibiting, attending, and trafficking in animal fighting ventures
Definitions section of the Animal Welfare Act where the new 'rooster' definition would be added
Federal criminal penalties (up to 5 years imprisonment) for animal fighting violations under the Animal Welfare Act
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service enforcement page — the federal agency that investigates animal fighting violations
Committee of referral for HR 3946; next step is committee consideration before any floor vote
Postal code provision the bill amends to classify rooster transport materials as nonmailable
Senate companion version of the FIGHT Act of 2025, also amending the Animal Welfare Act
H.R. 3946 Bill Text
“To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for greater protection of roosters, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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