Update: This bill has died.

Original report: The West Virginia legislature is adding penalties to the state's animal fighting laws. Under S.B. 566 it would be a felony to gamble on animal fighting or "conduct, finance, manage, supervise, direct, lease or own all or a part of a business or premises involving betting or wagering on an animal fighting venture".

Violators face fines between $1000 and $5000 and a minimum of one year in prison.

This is a bill worth supporting. Animal fighting laws are difficult to enforce. It is important that all aspects and activities associated with animal fighting like gambling be made illegal. It gives law enforcement another tool to stop this cruel, inhumane activity.

Click here for a copy of the bill.  

S.B. 566 is pending in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Click on committee members' names below and write (faxes are best) or call and urge them to support S.B. 566 and help stop animal fighting.

Senator Edgell - Chair
Senator Love - Vice-Chair
Senator Bailey
Senator Helmick
Senator Hunter
Senator Sharpe
Senator Unger
Senator Barnes
Senator Facemyer
Senator Guills
Senator Sypolt

If you live in West Virginia, click here to find your state legislators and write or call and urge them to vote yes on S.B. 566, making gambling on animal fighting a felony.