Governor Perdue Signs Dog Fighting Legislation
Bill makes dog fighting a felony, makes clear hunting and law enforcement are not impacted

ATLANTA (May 6, 2008) — Today Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signed House Bill 301, making dog fighting a felony in Georgia.

   "I am pleased today to make it clear that dog fighting is an activity that we will not tolerate here in Georgia," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "This legislation makes the crime of dog fighting the felony it deserves to be, while ensuring that we do not confuse these illegal activities with those who are lawfully training dogs for hunting, agricultural and law enforcement purposes."

   The new legislation enacts tough penalties for any person convicted of activities related to dog fighting: owning, possessing, transporting or selling any dog with intent to do so for the purposes of dog fighting.
In addition, the law covers those who bet on or advertise and promote events that include dogfights. It also makes attending a dog fighting event a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.

   State Rep. Bobby Reese sponsored HB 301.

   "This is a big step in closing a legal loophole in Georgia, and I hope this deters future violence against dogs," Rep. Reese said.

   Governor Perdue and Rep. Reese were joined at the Capitol today for the bill signing ceremony by State Sen. Chip Rogers, State Rep. David Knight, State Rep. Rich Golick, K-9 law enforcement teams from Cobb County and representatives from animal rights group such as the Georgia Canine Coalition and outdoors groups such as the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

   "The signing of Georgia's new dog fighting law sends a loud message to those who would torture man's best friend for their own sick enjoyment," Sen. Rogers added. "Dog fighting will be prosecuted and those taking part in this heinous act can expect to go to jail. No longer will Georgia be a haven for these depraved dogfighters."

   In the past, the Humane Society of the United States has ranked Georgia 49th in the nation because of a lack of laws against owning dogs for fighting and not having a law that makes it illegal to be a dog fighting spectator.