Update June 24: The Texas bill, S.B. 554, has been signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry. This bill makes it illegal to own equipment used for training dogs to fight or for other dog fighting purposes.

Under the new law such equipment could be forfeited.

For more on other dog fighting bills introduced this year, read Animal Law Coalition's report below.

As Michael Vick hopes to return to professional football and angles for a book deal, a reality television show, state legislatures are continuing to try to stop animal fighting.

Cock fighting and animal fighting generally have been the focus of a number of bills this year.

Legislatures have also continued to target specifically people who fight dogs. Last year and early this year a record number of dog fighting laws were passed.

Massachusetts may add to its arsenal by passing  HB 1466 which would make it a crime to "create, sell, rent or  lease" dog fighting paraphernalia defined to include photos, videos, movies, and the like, in any medium including  internet, whether downloadable or streaming or otherwise; and audio recordings.  Violators would be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up tp $500 and a year in jail.

This bill is pending in the Judiciary Committee. Go here to find Committee members and here to find your Massachusetts legislators. Urge them to pass H.B. 1466. 

Massachusetts is also considering H.B. 1969 which would allow authorities to petition for an order requiring the posting of security for animals seized in cruelty and fighting cases. Animals could be forfeited if security is not posted.

This bill is pending in the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.  Please contact Committee members and your Massachusetts legislators and urge them to pass this bill. 

California AB 242 has passed and is now on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk. The bill increase the penalty for the crime of being a spectator at a dog fight to imprisonment in a county jail not to
exceed one year, or a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both. 

Hawaii

(UPDATE: The Hawaii legislature has adjourned and these bills have been held over to be considered next year.) 

A new dog fighting law has passed both the state House and Senate. But the versions differ, and a conference committee has been appointed to reconcile the differences.  

The House version of the bill, H.B. 730,  would basically rewrite the current dog fighting law and make more activities associated with dog fighting a felony:

(1) Causes, sponsors, arranges, or holds a dogfight;

(2) Owns, trains, transports, possesses, breeds, sells, transfers, or equips any dog" for fighting;  

(3) Allows premises to be used for fighting;

(4) Allows property to be used for housing, keeping, training or transporting fighting dogs.  

It would be a misdemeanor to gamble or pay to attend a dog fight or possess any "device" to train a dog to fight or enhance the animal's fighting ability. Device can include a bait animal.

The Senate version, S.B. 763,  basically would not require proof of entertainment or financial gain as a reason for 2,3,4 or the misdemeanor crimes above.

Find Hawaii state representatives here. Find Hawaii state Senators here.  Write or call these legislators and urge them to pass S.B. 763 or H.B. 730!