Anti-Animal Fighting Group Claims Victory Over Davis

Thursday’s primary defeat of Rep. David Davis (R-Tenn.) has given an animal rights group something to crow about.

The Humane Society Legislative Fund, who had taken issue with Davis’s support of cockfighting, congratulated Davis’s primary opponent Phil Roe in his victory in Thursday’s vote.

In a press release Friday, the group noted that Davis was one of 39 House members to vote against a bill restricting dogfighting and cockfighting. The measure, which gained traction after NFL quarterback Michael Vick was indicted on dogfighting charges, was later signed into law by President Bush.

“David Davis’ opposition to stronger penalties for animal fighting cost him much-needed votes, contributing to his political defeat,” said Michael Markarian, the Humane Society Legislative Fund’s president, in the release. “Phil Roe ran a great campaign, but the role that animal fighting played in the race should serve as notice to other legislators that voters want common-sense policies to stop cruelty and abuse, and prefer candidates who support robust penalties for animal fighting crimes.”