YOU'RE NEVER GONNA GUESS WHO HEARTS ANIMAL CRUELTY

This story actually came to our attention several days back, BEFORE the Senate passed what the U.S. House had already approved, and it came to us from a good Republican member of the local Humane Society. First, here's today's news:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress has passed legislation cracking down on animal fighting, sending President Bush a measure that would make it a felony to transport an animal across state lines for fighting.

Approval of the bill marked the culmination of a nearly six-year effort to limit dogfighting and cockfighting, centuries-old traditions that most lawmakers and animal rights advocates now label brutal.

The Senate passed the measure by voice vote Tuesday night, following House passage by a lopsided margin on March 26, clearing it for Bush's signature.

"Animal fighting is cruel," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the Judiciary Committee chairman. "Those engaged in animal fighting ventures must know that this crime is serious and will be punished as a felony."

Critics say animal fighting -- popular in rural areas and Latin American communities -- can also spawn other criminal activity, such as illegal gambling, narcotics trafficking, public corruption, and gang activity....

Virginia Foxx was one of only 39 members of the House who voted against this bill. Can't wait to hear her excellent explanation for that vote. Neither can the Republicans who give their time and their cash to the Watauga County Humane Society, and formerly their votes to Madam Foxx.