| “I don’t understand it, I never will, and I could never defend it,” said Tustin, Calif., resident Barbara Chuck, owner of two mixed-breed dogs. That sentiment was echoed time and again, and state lawmakers went to work to toughen laws.
Crackdown On Dog Fighting Spreads
When Vick was convicted in April and sentenced to 23 months in federal prison, dog-fighting was not a felony in all 50 states; today, it is.
- In May, Wyoming passed legislation increasing the severity of participation in dog fighting from a misdemeanor to a felony, making it the 50th state to do so.
- Idaho passed similar legislation just a week earlier, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
- When Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue signed Georgia’s new dog-fighting law earlier this month, he referred to the act as “barbarism,” and called it unconscionable, reports the Georgia News. In Georgia, the new law also means that anyone convicted of betting on dog fighting also faces a felony charge. This is not true in most states, where participation is still considered a misdemeanor.
- Virginia passed a law in April adding dog fighting to the list of crimes that can be prosecuted under the state’s RICO laws, giving prosecutors the power to go after dog-fighting operations as organized criminal enterprises.
- Oregon and Utah have similar laws in place.
What Do These Changes Mean?
Previously, dog fighting was a calculated risk to those who participated in the cruel activity. These criminals would merely pay a fine and continue their illegal behavior. Now, officials and legislators believe, the stiffer penalties including significant jail time will likely be a deterrent for some. In addition, law-enforcement officials are more likely to pursue those who promote dog-fighting because it is now considered a more serious crime, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
It’s clear that the public will not tolerate a slap on the wrist for such violent acts against animals.
 Dog-fighting can have a significant negative impact on the community. Dogs used for fighting are often aggressive toward other animals, The Humane Society reports. The risk that these animals will attack children is high, because the dog might perceive a small child as another animal. In addition, other illegal activities such as gambling and drug use are associated with dog fights.
It’s clear that the public will not tolerate a slap on the wrist for such violent acts against animals. “People who participate in dog-fighting should be treated like child abusers. They should spend a long time in jail,” said Fresno, Calif., resident Marlene Johnson, a former dog owner.
But the current laws likely will not dissuade all who participate. “Will it deter all dog fighting and other animal abuse? No, but it sends the message that our society will not put up with this cruel and sadistic behavior toward animals,” said Dr. David W. Reinhard, a consulting veterinarian for VPI Pet Insurance.
What Else Needs To Be Done?
Many pet owners feel that those who are spectators at dogfights should not escape stiff punishments. “Making it a felony to be a spectator might help. Maybe people might think that the ‘benefits’ of watching a dogfight aren’t worth the consequences,” Chuck said.
Concerned pet owners can write to their U.S. representatives or state assembly members (in California, go to www.assembly.ca./gov). In addition, The Humane Society is still working on passing even tougher laws against all types of animal cruelty. Find out how you can help at www.hsus.org.
Return to the VPI Pet HealthZone >> |
Products available through this site are only available for residents of the United States.
In Canada, please contact Petsecure at www.petsecure.com.
Pet owners and animal lovers across the country were nothing less than horrified last year when news that Atlanta Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick was accused of bankrolling and participating in an illegal dog-fighting ring broke. 
