Dogfighting legislation
The State House passed HB 301, which increases penalties on dogfighting, in the wake of the Michael Vick scandal:
Legislation that would stiffen penalties for participating in, being a spectator at or facilitating a dogfight in Georgia is another step closer to Gov. Sonny Perdue’s desk.
State representatives on Monday passed an amended HB 301 that for the first time would make it a high and aggravated misdemeanor to be a spectator at dogfighting events and would increase the severity of the crime and punishment for each subsequent offense. It also would at least double the penalties for subsequent convictions of participating in or facilitating dogfighting, already a felony in Georgia.
An amendment closed the guard dog loophole, making it illegal to train dogs for that purpose.
Only two members voted against the legislation, both due to the guard dog amendment.