Missouri Tries to Make a Dent in Dog Fighting

lauraallen — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 13:41:14 -0700

The Missouri legislature is considering changes to the state's dog fighting laws. One change would make it a Class D felony instead of a misdemeanor on a second and subsequent offense of being present for a dog fight including preparations leading up to it.

Dog Fighting

Strengthen Penalties in Iowa for Attending Animal Fights!

lauraallen — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:43:12 -0700

The Iowa Senate has passed a bill, S.F. 2203 that would increase the penalty for being a spectator at an animal fight from an aggravated misdemeanor to a Class D felony. The bill is now pending in the Iowa House as H.F. 2381.

A class "D" felony means a sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of up to $7,500, assuming no prior convictions. An aggravated misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to two years and a fine not to exceed $6,250.

Dog Fighting

Graphic Testimony at Hearing on Ohio's Animal Fighting Bill

lauraallen — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 12:45:41 -0700

Update April 14, 2008: The Ohio House Criminal Justice Committee heard compelling testimony in support of the Animal Fighting bill, H.B. 415.

Annette M. Fisher, Executive Director of Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary described how last year the Lorain County, Ohio's sheriff's department seized 44 roosters and several hens in a cockfighting raid.

Dog Fighting

Tennessee Legislature Takes on Animal Fighting

lauraallen — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:32:52 -0700

Tennessee is taking on animal fighting in a big way this legislative session. There are bills pending that will:

- allow forfeiture of all property used in animal fighting (S.B. 2685),

- make it a felony to allow a minor to attend an animal fight (TN H.B. 3697 & TN S.B. 3864); and

Dog Fighting

Stronger Penalties for Dog and Cock Fighting Possible in Wyoming

lauraallen — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 18:56:12 -0700

The Wyoming House of Representatives has passed H.B. 46, a bill that would amend the dog and cock fighting law, Wy. Stat. 6-3-203, and make it a felony on the first offense.

As a felony, dog and cock fighting would be punishable by a 2 year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine.

The bill now goes to the state Senate.

Dog Fighting

The Importance of Hotlines and Stronger Laws in Stopping Dog Fighting

lauraallen — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:29:01 -0700

After an 11-month investigation into an alleged national dogfighting ring, the Pima County, Arizona Sheriff's Department, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Humane Society of the United States, and other local agencies raided four separate properties, rescuing 150 dogs, generally used for breeding.

Dog Fighting

Oregon Legislature Passes Bill to Increase Penalties for Dog Fighting!

lauraallen — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:09:57 -0700

Update February 27, 2008: The Oregon legislature has passed S.B. 1072! This new law will increase penalties for dog fighting. Governor Ted Kulongoski is expected to sign the bill.

For more information, read the original report below.

Dog Fighting

Arizona to Try to Stop Theft of Pets to Train Dogs for Fighting

lauraallen — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:22:45 -0700

All of animal fighting may soon be a Class 5 felony in Arizona.

A bill pending before the state House of Representatives , H.B. 2153, would make not only dog and cock fighting a Class 5 felony but all animal fighting.

Dog Fighting

Idaho Legislature Passes Tougher Dog Fighting Law

lauraallen — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 12:37:02 -0700

Until now, Idaho was one of a handful of states where dog fighting was only a misdemeanor. And that law was pretty vague as to what activity associated with dog fighting would be illegal.

Dog Fighting

West Virginia Wants to Make it a Felony to Gamble on Animal Fighting

lauraallen — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:33:25 -0700

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".

Dog Fighting