Addiego, Rudder & Brown

September 24, 2009   

Contact: Robbie Kenney / (609) 654-1498
Assemblyman Scott Rudder, Senator Dawn Marie Addiego

“Dogfighting Zero Tolerance Act of 2009″ Guarantees Minimum of Five Years Behind Bars for Anyone Convicted of Dogfighting Charges

Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder have drafted legislation putting some badly needed teeth into New Jersey’s law banning dogfighting.

“The Michael Vick incident exposed the horrifying secrets of dogfighting for all of us to see,” said Assemblyman Rudder. “As Vick prepares for his return to the NFL as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, we are acting shut down the vile, inhumane activity of dogfighting in New Jersey.”

The Dogfighting Zero Tolerance Act of 2009, which the 8th District representatives will introduce when the legislature reconvenes in the fall, will raises the level of crime from third degree to second degree for anyone who purchases, owns or trains animals for fighting; anyone who operates a venue for animal fighting; anyone who attends an animal fight to assist or as a spectator; or who gambles on the outcome of a fight involving a living animal. A conviction would entail a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a minimum penalty of $5,000 for the first offense.

“People were shocked that Michael Vick’s dog-fighting conviction included jail time. Our legislation assures that others who pursue this heinous practice will follow in Vick’s footsteps and serve time behind bars,” said Senator Haines. “No longer will first-time offenders be able to avoid incarceration. Vick spent 18 months in Leavenworth Federal Prison. We are raising the minimum sentence to five years.”

The legislation also increases the civil penalty for animal fighting offenses to a sum not less than $5,000 or more than $35,000.

“Dogfighting is barbaric and gruesome, and we are making it crystal clear that it will not be tolerated in our state,” said Assemblywoman Addiego. “The current New Jersey laws are too lax. For the first time, the punishment will fit the crime. And we are not only attacking the source, but we are going after the people who perpetuate it. If you take part in dogfighting in any way, the consequences will be severe.”

Finally, the bill calls for the seizure and forfeiture of assets or property used in any animal fighting activity. The proceeds from the forfeiture will be “dedicated to training animal control officers and humane law enforcement officers and to animal health, care and welfare.”

“Animal fighting is an underground business, and we are targeting the ill-gotten gains of that enterprise, and we will use it to train officers to find and shut down other similar operations, and to provide care for the animal victims,” said Assemblyman Rudder.”

“Dogfighting Zero Tolerance Act of 2009″ Guarantees Minimum of Five Years Behind Bars for Anyone Convicted of Dogfighting Charges Senator Phil Haines, Assemblywoman Dawn Marie Addiego and Assemblyman Scott Rudder have drafted legislation putting some badly needed teeth into New Jersey’s law banning dogfighting. “The [...]