Michigan Lawmakers may pass toughest anti-dog fighting laws in the nation

[Vicki]

Michigan lawmakers may pass toughest anti-dog fighting laws in the nation

Posted: 03/06/2012 By: Kim Russell

MACOMB COUNTY (WXYZ) - State lawmakers are getting close to passing the toughest anti-dog fighting laws in the nation.

A three bill package has passed the Senate and may soon be decided on in the House. The bills aim to discourage dog fighting by making it an expensive crime in Michigan.

“It gives prosecutors multiple ways of going after it,” said Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Macomb County).

The bills would allow law enforcement agencies to seize property associated with dog fighting and turn it over to local or state governments, would deem animal fighting a public nuisance and allow citizens or prosecutors to sue those who participate, and would put those who organize dog fights at risk of racketeering charges.

There are no other states that provide for all of these consequences for those who run dog fighting operations. Senator Bieda says he hopes these bills turn Michigan into a model for animal protection laws across the country.

“You’re putting some teeth into the statute to go after those that are operating dog or animal fights,” said Bieda.

Senate Bills 356, 357, and 358 passed the Senate unanimously with a 37-0 vote. The bills have been debated in the House, and could be decided on in the near future.

The Michigan Humane Society and other animal advocacy groups are rallying behind the bills.

Michigan lawmakers may pass toughest anti-dog fighting laws in the nation

[simms]

BEWARE- The MHS and local rescues and authority want to sieze your properties!

SB 356, 357, 358
Strengthening Michigan’s Dogfighting Laws
Help strengthen dogfighting penalties by prosecuting alleged dogfighters under Michigan’s racketeering statutes, meaning longer prison times and higher fines for those convicted


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MHS SUPPORTS
These bills would strengthen dogfighting penalties by prosecuting alleged dogfighters under Michigan’s racketeering statutes, meaning longer prison times and higher fines for those convicted. It would attack the economics of dogfighting by allowing the seizure and forfeiture of property associated with dogfighting, creating a strong disincentive for those who are currently profiting richly from this activity. The bills would also allow local authorities to declare dogfighting venues a nuisance and close their doors for good.

[ZorMac]

That's awesome it will only get better from here.