Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett's Statement Regarding Amendment to Farm Bill Proposing to Ban Cockfighting in the Virgin Islands

Press Release

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, released the following statement regarding an amendment offered to H.R. 2 -- Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 that would ban cock fighting in the Virgin Islands:

"Cockfighting, like horse racing, is a long-standing recreational activity in the U.S. Virgin Islands with historical and cultural significance to many Virgin Islanders. I do not support banning cockfighting in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"I understand the concerns of those opposed to cockfighting and believe regulatory processes and educational outreach provide the best means of addressing those concerns. Outlawing cockfighting in the Virgin Islands will only create an underground industry, which can prove problematic for local stakeholders and local law enforcement."

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