A statewide ban on cockfighting and dog fighting is one of a number of laws that take effect on Friday. Attorney General Gary King wants the public to know violators will be prosecuted.
“We are putting people on notice. If you violate animal protection laws, you will be prosecuted,” King said Wednesday in announcing the formation of a new, statewide animal cruelty task force.
King is chairman of the task force, which is made up of representatives from government, law enforcement, animal care groups and others. The bipartisan task force was announced at a news conference in
The task force will aim to encourage cross-reporting and communication among law enforcement, animal control and humane societies around the state; hold a summit to train law enforcement personnel and others; consider proposals to further strengthen laws related to animal fighting; and educate the public about the law and other reasons to not fight animals.
The new law makes cockfighting a petty misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in prison for a first offense. A second offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, and further offenses are fourth-degree felonies punishable by up to 18 months in prison.