Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Dogfighting Laws
Federal, state and local laws against animal fighting have toughened over 30 years, a result of society's heightened sensitivity to animal cruelty:
Federal Law
In 1976, Congress outlawed interstate promotion of animal fights and the transportation of animals across state lines for fighting, with penalties of up to a year in prison and a $5,000 fine. The fine was later increased to $100,000.
In May, the punishment rose to three years and a $250,000 fine. Vick is charged under the older law because the accusations cover a period ending in April.
He also is accused of violating a federal law against interstate travel in aid of certain criminal activities. That law, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, does not list dogfighting but does include gambling.
Vick has agreed to plead guilty, his attorneys said. Sources said federal guidelines in his case call for a prison term in the 12-to-18-month range.
State Laws
Dogfighting is a felony in 48 states and the District and a misdemeanor in Idaho and Wyoming. Possessing a fighting dog is legal in Georgia, Idaho and Nevada, a misdemeanor in New York, Texas, West Virginia and Wyoming, and a felony everywhere else.
Being a spectator at a dogfight is legal in Georgia and Idaho, a felony in 22 states and a misdemeanor in 26 states and the District.
Washington Area Laws
Participating in a dogfight:
Maryland: Felony, up to three years, $5,000 fine.
Virginia: Felony, up to five years, $2,500 fine.
District: Felony, up to five years, $25,000 fine.
Possessing a fighting dog:
Maryland: Felony, up to three years, $5,000 fine.
Virginia: Felony, up to five years, $2,500 fine.
District: Felony, up to five years, $25,000 fine.
Being a spectator at a dogfight:
Maryland: Misdemeanor, up to 90 days, $1,000 fine.
Virginia: Misdemeanor, up to a year, $2,500 fine.
District: Misdemeanor, up to 180 days, $1,000 fine.
SOURCE: Humane Society of the United States; Maryland, Virginia and D.C. criminal codes
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