New Illinois Dog Fighting Legislation
2007 brought forth important new legislation aimed at stopping violence to animals, especially in the form of animal fighting.
The most important legislation for high-profile cases such as Michael Vick and several recent Cook County arrests is the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act. Passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law by President Bush on May 3, 2007, it makes interstate commerce, import or export related to animal fighting (dog fighting and cock fighting in particular) a federal felony offense. Each violation may result in up to three years in a federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Criminals who engage in dog fighting and cockfighting should find it much more difficult to continue their activities and outfit their enterprise across state lines.
The State of Illinois also added several important statutes to its already strong laws. Most important in light of the new federal law is that, as of August 30, 2007, any form of animal fighting (such as cockfighting) is a felony, which is already the case with dog fighting. In addition, as of January 1, 2008, state law gives judges explicit authority to include animals in orders of protection. The petitioner may be given exclusive custody and care of the animal and the respondent may be ordered to stay away from the animal.
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- New Cook County Trap-Neuter-Return Legislation
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