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Virginia Considers Dog-Fighting Law With Teeth

State hopes to prevent future Michael Vick incidents

By Lisa Wade McCormick
ConsumerAffairs.com

January 16, 2008

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Virginia, home to Michael Vick's infamous dog fighting compound, is considering legislation to toughen state statutes against the "sport."

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback is serving a federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to engaging in dog fighting at his Surrey, Virginia estate.

Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell said he is backing efforts by the Humane Society of the United States to enact more effective animal fighting laws in Virginia. The legislation has been introduced in both chambers of the legislature and McDonnell said he expects speedy passage.

"Last year Virginians learned, sadly, of the scope of animal fighting for sport and profit in the Commonwealth," McDonnell said. "We have found animal fighting in every region in Virginia. As the Attorney General of this state I believe we must do more to crack down on this inhumane blood sport."

The proposed law would make illegal for anyone to attend an animal fight. McDonnell said those who create the demand for illegal fights bear criminal responsibility.

"All who play any role in animal fighting in Virginia must be held accountable to stop this barbaric practice," McDonnell said. "Also, we are going to help the dogs victimized by dog fighting by ending the rule that they must be held at an animal shelter until the criminal case is resolved."

"If this legislation becomes law, Virginia will be a national leader in passing tough, effective legislation to eradicate cockfighting and dog fighting," said John Goodwin, manager of animal fighting issues for The Humane Society.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Allow searches regarding animal cruelty cases to be conducted after sunset without more authorization.

• Make other forms of animal fighting a Class 6 felony raising it on par with dog fighting.

• Make it a Class 6 felony to use any device or substance to enhance an animal's ability to fight.

• Make attendance at an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor

• Make allowing a minor to attend a fight or be involved in an animal fight a Class 1 misdemeanor.

• Provide for streamlining of the forfeiture of animals so that they don't have to be held for years without resolution to the case.

• Ensure that bond will now have to be posted if an owner is contesting the forfeiture of fighting animals

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