Willie Nelson Joins Anti-Dogfighting Cause

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Willie Nelson Joins Anti-Dogfighting Cause

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By Associated Press

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Published: Sat, November 24, 2007 - 7:34 pm
Last Updated: Saturday, November 24, 2007 - 7:40 pm

ATLANTA (AP) - Georgia lawmakers have found the face they need
to rally support for anti-dogfighting legislation -- Willie Nelson.
The country music legend and animal lover has filmed a public
service announcement that could appear on television and radio
soon. It supports a Georgia Senate bill that would make it a felony
for anyone to sell, trade or transport dogs for the purpose of
dogfighting.
In the spot, over the strains of "Georgia on My Mind," Nelson
looks into the camera and makes his appeal for the bill.
He says -- quote -- "Dogfighting is against the law in Georgia,
but the laws are so weak, the beautiful state of Georgia has become
a haven for dogfighters from around the country."
The singer was asked to shoot the PSA by the Utah-based Best
Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization that
produced the piece.
State Senator Chip Rogers -- a Woodstock Republican who wrote
the legislation long before Vick's involvement in dogfighting
became public -- hopes to get the spot on TV and radio around the
time of the December 10th sentencing for suspended Atlanta Falcons
quarterback Michael Vick.
Vick pleaded guilty in August to a federal dogfighting
conspiracy charge after his three co-defendants pleaded guilty and
agreed to cooperate with authorities. Police say he bankrolled a
dogfighting ring out of his Virginia mansion.
The Georgia bill passed unanimously in the Senate last session.
It will go before a House committee in January.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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