Dog fighting laws
Senate wants tougher animal fighting penalties
The Virginia Senate voted unanimously Monday to approve legislation to stiffen penalties for animal fighting.
House Bill 656 would make fighting animals other than dogs a Class 1 misdemeanor, while making each of the following a Class 6 felony: possession of materials to enhance an animal's fighting ability; attending an exhibition of animal fighting; or permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting.
Dogfighting is already a Class 6 felony.
The legislation, sponsored by House Majority Leader Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, was largely inspired by the case of Michael Vick, the former Virginia Tech and NFL quarterback who pleaded guilty and is serving 23 months in federal prison for his role in a Surry County dogfighting ring.
The bill now goes to Gov. Tim Kaine for his signature