When thinking about gambling in Indiana, animal fighting is not something that typically comes to mind. Animal fighting is illegal, and the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) has been actively working to combat illegal animal gambling rings. In recent years, they have taken down over 65 illegal animal gambling operations, resulting in the rescue and care of around 2,000 birds and 20 dogs.
Senate Bill 423 aims to provide the IGC with additional resources to address the welfare of animals and investigate illegal gambling activities further. This bill passed both houses during the legislative session and was signed by Governor Eric Holcomb on June 20. It will become law on July 1.
Indianapolis Gaming Returns short in resources
“We don’t have the resources,” said IGC General Counsel Dennis Mullen, referring to the challenges of investigating and addressing illegal gambling activities such as animal fighting rings.
Senate Bill 423 aims to address this issue by providing the commission with additional resources and enabling them to focus their efforts on:
- Receiving and following up on tips through the commission’s Gaming Control Unit
- Taking action against illegal rings in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies when necessary
- Working with organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society to combat animal cruelty
Mullen emphasized the importance of a coordinated effort involving various entities, including the Indiana Board of Animal Health, local law enforcement and prosecutors handling witness testimony. Organizations like the ASPCA and the Humane Society have played a significant role in assisting with legal cases, documenting evidence related to fighting operations, ensuring the well-being of rescued animals, and providing transportation and care for them.
One example from Wells County in 2022 showcased a 10-hour operation conducted in broad daylight, resulting in the rescue of 139 roosters and hens. The Humane Society was involved in documenting the animals and ensuring their safe transportation to an undisclosed location for their protection.
Redefining ‘ reasonable expenses’
The current system allows courts to set bonds for animal care based on reasonable expenses for each case. However, it appears there may have been challenges in determining what constitutes reasonable expenses under the existing law. This has created difficulties for organizations and shelters that have had to bear the associated costs of caring for impounded animals.
To address these issues, the Indiana Gaming Commission pursued a modification to the law. The proposed change aims to address the sustainability of the current system and provide more resources for animal care. By revising the law, it is hoped that organizations and shelters will receive the necessary support to continue their efforts in caring for impounded animals.
Cost-effective expenses really are limited to several categories:
- Amounts
- Shelter
- Foodstuff
- Quarantine
According to Mullen, one of the consequences of the current system is that the Indiana Gaming Commission sometimes faces challenges in finding outside organizations that are willing and able to assist due to the costs and risks associated with impounding animals. The existing law’s structure and limitations on reasonable expenses may contribute to low-bond conditions that do not adequately cover the actual costs of caring for impounded animals. The proposed modification to the law aims to address these issues and provide a more sustainable solution for animal care in such cases.
Typically the euthanasia topic
Euthanasia is a sensitive topic that often evokes discomfort, but it was a significant aspect of the discussion surrounding SB 423. Medical professionals and regulators acknowledged that the existing regulations regarding euthanizing an animal were too restrictive and could potentially pose risks to individuals and other animals. Many of the birds and dogs rescued from animal fighting rings had lived lives of violence, presenting various potential liabilities. It was recognized that updated regulations were necessary to ensure humane and safe procedures for euthanasia when it is deemed necessary.
The modern bill delivers veterinarians included discretion to carry out humane euthanasia for a number of causes, including:
- Presenting some sort of threat some other animals or perhaps people
- Virus of virtually any disease, specifically deadly kinds like bird flu together with Exotic Newcastle Disease
- With regards to the best fascination due to excessive pain together with suffering
Language in the bill also provides the state’s support for doctors’ decisions in contentious cases involving euthanasia. Any private professional who performs euthanasia under these circumstances is granted civil immunity, protecting them from legal liability. This provision acknowledges the importance of providing legal protection to healthcare professionals who make difficult decisions regarding euthanasia in accordance with the law.
Near future efforts could grow
Starting from July 1, Mullen expects that the increased funding and efforts will lead to more tips and resources to pursue illegal animal fighting rings. These rings continue to operate until they are exposed and brought to justice. The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) aims to shut them down in order to protect both people and animals from the cruelty and harm associated with these activities.
IGC Deputy Director Jenny Reske expressed her hope that they never had to deal with such cases, but the fact that they had to seek legislative changes underscores the need for the commission to have the ability to take more effective action in combating illegal animal fighting. The goal is to prevent these activities and ensure the well-being of animals and the safety of the public.
Hill Kerby is an advocate for safe, legitimate betting, and is also grateful to contribute to expanding the industry. He’s a record in holdem poker, sports, and even psychology, all of these he contains into the writing.
