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The case against Michael Vick brought public attention to the shadowy,

depraved world of dogfighting.

The investigation also uncovered weaknesses in the state's

animal-fighting laws in general. Attorney General Bob McDonnell - with

support from Gov. Tim Kaine and key legislators - is leading the

charge to fix these deficiencies and make Virginia's laws on this

matter some of the strongest in the nation. This is a worthwhile

effort.

Dogfighting is already a felony crime in this state. The proposed

legislative changes would make cockfighting a felony, as well. Under

present Virginia law, cockfighting is only illegal if gambling is

involved, and even then it is a misdemeanor. This provides little

disincentive for cockfighting aficionados to engage in their barbaric

bloodsport.

There have been efforts to strengthen the state's cockfighting law in

the past, but none have succeeded. Perhaps some state lawmakers are

secret supporters of this bloody activity, in which roosters are

outfitted with spurs or knives in a fight to the death.

Cockfighting supporters argue that their so-called sport is a fine

Virginia tradition, as old as the state itself. They note that Thomas

Jefferson and George Washington were said to have owned gamecocks.

Yet, the age of the practice doesn't render it worthy of preservation.

It seems certain that Virginia would rather be known for its mountain

views, esteemed universities or musical heritage than as a haven for

cockfighting.

The cockfighting measure is sponsored by Majority Leader Morgan

Griffith, R-Salem, in the House, and Minority Leader Thomas K.

Norment, R-James City, in the Senate. With the support of McDonnell, a

Republican, and Kaine, a Democrat, perhaps this will be the year that

it gets the support necessary to become law.

Other changes to the state's animal-fighting laws that are part of

McDonnell's legislative package include:

* Making it a felony to use a device or substance to enhance an

animal's fighting ability.

* Eliminating a requirement that animals seized from fighting

ventures be held in animal shelters until the case is resolved.

* Allowing investigators to conduct animal cruelty investigations

after sunset without getting a new warrant and requiring a bond to

be posted if owners contest the animals' forfeiture.

* Making it a misdemeanor to allow a juvenile to attend an animal

fight.

Each of these changes makes sense. Virginia lawmakers should adopt