LINCOLN — U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., has introduced bipartisan legislation to crack down on animal fighting and strengthen animal protections.

Bacon, along with Rep. Andrea Salinas, D-Ore, introduced the Fight Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Animal Trafficking (FIGHT) Act on Wednesday. The act would amend Section 26 of the Animal Welfare Act to enhance legal enforcement opportunities for cockfighting and dogfighting, with the goal of protecting at-risk animals.

“It’s disgusting and inhumane that people profit off the cruel practice of forcing animals to fight for their lives,” Bacon said in a statement. “The FIGHT Act will embolden law enforcement to stop this inhumane and cruel animal abuse.”