Signed by Governor Sonny Perdue

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits attending a dogfight and increases penalties for dogfighting violations.

Highlights:

- Finds that anyone who knowingly attends a dogfight as a spectator is guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature [sec. 1 (c)]. - Finds that anyone intending to fight their dogs, running dogfights or betting on a dogfight is guilty of a felony punishable by one to five years in prison and/or a fine of not less than $5,000 [sec. 1 (b) (4)]. - Increases penalties for second or subsequent convictions of orchestrating a dogfight to one to ten years in prison and/or a fine of not less than $15,000 [sec. 1 (b) (4)]. - Permits for dogs who were subjected to fighting to be impounded [sec. 1 (d)]. - Allows for the continued use of dogs for aiding in lawful hunting and fishing activities, agricultural purposes and law enforcement [sec. 1 (e)]. - This is a substitute bill offered by the House Judiciary Committee (Non-Civil).

Full Bill Text