Penalties for Spectators of Animal Fighting in New York
New York State Governor David A. Paterson recently signed a bill that amends Agriculture and Markets Law §351 by adding a subdivision 5. The new law sets penalties for anyone who is knowingly present as a spectator at any location where an exhibition of animal fighting is taking place.
A first offense is a violation punishable by a fine of up to five hundred dollars. A second conviction within five years is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or by a fine of up to one-thousand dollars.
Until now, a person could go to an animal fight in New York without being subject to any penalties so long as they did not pay any entrance fee or place any bets on the fight. This new law makes it a offense for anyone to simply be at an animal fight. The new law was drafted in response to headlines stemming from former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's involvement with dog fighting.
The bill had multiple sponsors in the Senate and Assembly. The senate bill number is S06466. The assembly bill number is A10093. This law is to take effect immediately.
