SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2008 SESSION

  • | print version

HB 656 Animal protection and fighting; broadens penalty.

Introduced by: H. Morgan Griffith | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles | history

SUMMARY AS PASSED:

Animal protection and fighting; penalty.  Provides that engaging in the fighting of any animals is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while dog fighting remains a Class 6 felony.  Possession of any materials intended to enhance the ability of animals to fight, permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting, or wagering on animal fighting raises any such offense to a Class 6 felony. Animals that are the subject of such criminal charges may be forfeited to the locality, but the owner may post bond to retain his ownership interest and repossess the animals if the court issues a finding of not guilty. Law-enforcement officers would be permitted to conduct searches at any time upon the issuance of warrants. Currently, such officers may only conduct searches during the day. This bill incorporates HB 1057 (J.M. Scott) and HB 1465 (Armstrong). This bill is identical to SB 592 (Norment).

SUMMARY AS PASSED HOUSE:

Animal protection and fighting; penalty.  Provides that engaging in the fighting of any animals is a Class 1 misdemeanor, while dog fighting remains a Class 6 felony.  Possession of any materials intended to enhance the ability of animals to fight, permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting, or wagering on animal fighting is a Class 6 felony. Animals that are the subject of such criminal charges may be forfeited to the locality, but the owner may post bond to retain his ownership interest and repossess the animals if the court issues a finding of not guilty. Law-enforcement officers would be permitted to conduct searches at any time upon the issuance of warrants. Currently, such officers may only conduct searches during the day.

SUMMARY AS INTRODUCED:

Animal protection and fighting; penalty.  Broadens the Class 6 felony applicable to the crime of dogfighting to the fighting of any animals, including cocks, and the possession of any materials intended to enhance the ability of animals to fight. Attending an exhibition of animal fighting or permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Animals that are the subject of such criminal charges may be forfeited to the locality, but the owner may post bond to retain his ownership interest and repossess the animals if the court issues a finding of not guilty. Law-enforcement officers would be permitted to conduct searches at any time upon the issuance of warrants. Currently, such officers may only conduct searches during the day.