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Dogfighting is a felony in 50 states.

The seized dogs will be evaluated by behaviorial experts and hopefully many can be rehomed, as they were in the Michael Vick case.

“The Vick case taught us to see dogs in these cases as victims,” said Donna Reynolds, with the Oakland, Calif.-based pit bull rescue and education group Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls, or BAD RAP.

“Animal welfare organizations will have to come together to ensure animals are comfortable in their confinement and they have the best opportunity to be evaluated, and if possible, offered rescue resources,” Reynolds said.

One of the laws in question gives dog owners 48 hours to kill their dog if it is found killing another animal. The other law requires sheriffs to kill any dog running at large without a metal dog tag, between the months of August and February.

The Senate unanimously approved a bill Monday that could repeal both.

The measure now moves to the House for consideration.

Both laws have been on the books since the early 1900s when the health and welfare of livestock was of greater concern to state residents.

Supporters say they are now outdated and just plain cruel.

Under Washington State law, an animal owner can shoot a dog if it bites, chases or kills an animal on his or her property. Dog owners are also required to corral their pets if a livestock owner complains of attacks. But there is no law directly requiring dog owners to pay for the damages their pets inflict.

The bill to repeal the dog extermination laws is Washington State Senate Bill 5200.

Imagine a society in which all victims of domestic abuse — including companion animals — are protected.

Each year throughout Washington, countless victims of domestic violence risk their lives to protect their defenseless animals from harm. Research has shown that up to 48 percent of battered women remain in abusive homes out of concern for leaving their pets behind. Yet, sadly, Washington’s current domestic violence law does not protect companion animals.

House Bill 1148 addresses this issue directly. In an effort to stop abusers from harming or threatening to harm companion animals, the bill allows judges to include the animals in domestic abuse protective orders. A protective order is a legal order issued by a court that requires one person to stop harming, stay away from and/or cease contact with another person or, in the case of this bill, that person’s pets as well.

We owe it to the countless domestic violence survivors throughout Washington, and their pets, to pass this bill.

HB 1148 is waiting for a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. Ask Chair Jamie Pedersen and Vice-Chair Roger Goodman to schedule the bill for a committee hearing and to vote for its passage.

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Barney, once described by Karl Rove, Mr Bush’s political strategist, as “a lump,” and dissed by then Russian President Putin as a dog not fit for a world leader (whatever, little dogs rule), will probably be happier back on his Texan Ranch after January 20th with his dogfriend, Miss Beazley.

No mention of these attacks on Barney’s Website www.barney.gov

We just tried to contact Barney to get his side of the story. We asked:

Any response to the recent reports of your attacks on various journalists at the White House?
http://mydogsblog.com/2008/11/gws-barney-bites-back/
Those pesky press people should keep their hands to themselves.

And

Any tips for First Dog Elect that the Obamas have yet to pick out?
http://mydogsblog.com/2008/11/first-dog-update/

In a recent CBS’ “60 Minutes,” interview, future first lady Michelle Obama said: “We’re on call-mode on the dog front. Because the deal with the dog was that we would get the dog after we got settled. Because as responsible owners we — I don’t think it would be good to get a dog in the midst of transition.”

She added: “We cut that deal with the kids before … America knew about it. So they’re — they’re good with it.”

Still, “They’re ready for us to get the dog now,” she acknowledged.

The family wants a dog from a shelter, and they need one that will not trigger 10-year-old Malia’s allergies.

“We’re getting a lot of suggestions though,” President-elect added Obama . “Boy, I mean the — people are sending suggestions. And we’re taking it all under advisement.”