Florida among states with strictest dogfighting laws.
Surprise! Florida is among the states ranked tops in doing something we can be proud of (as compared to, say, mortgage foreclosures).
The Humane Society of the United States has released a chart of all states and their laws regarding three possible offenses: Running a dogfigh, being a spectator at a dogfight, and owning fighting dogs.
Florida is among 20 states that have felony penalties for all three. We are number 15. We classify all three offenses as third-degree felonies, carrying a maximum sentence of five years and a maximum fine of $5,000.
At the bottom?
Montana and Hawaii, where it is legal to go to a dog fight (so how is it legal to go to a fight but illegal to put one on?).
And Nevada, where it is legal to own dogs for the purpose of fighting them.
Click here to see the rankings.
The Humane Society also is offering a $5,000 for reporting dogfighting. Click here for more details.
What do you think about dogfighting penalties? Too strict? Not strict enough?
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
Comments
Its nice to know that Florida is progressive on this issue....dogfighting not only is horrible for the dogs and gives pit bulls a bad name, but it attracts the worst kind of criminals, drug traffickers, and animal abusers....I think that it should be a felony in ALL states ....the Humane Society of the US is working hard to make this happen. www.hsus.org
Posted by: TJF | July 11, 2008 5:01 PM
I THINK FLORIDA HAVE OTHER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT OTHER THEN DOGFIGHTING LIKE PEOPLE FIGHT OR CRIME. OUR TAX MONEY SHOULD BE SPENT ON A LEVEL HIGH TO LOW TOPICS. NOT ON DOGFIGHTING. I HAVE A AMERICANBULLDOG AND I LOVE HIM. AND I THINK PEOPLE THAT DO THESE THINGS ARE CRAZY AS HELL FOR FIGHTING THESE "ANIMALS". BUT THATS WHAT SOCIETY HAS AS THE NORM LIKE MMA OR GOING TO WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: POLICE | October 16, 2008 10:28 PM