N.J. Assembly panel to take up anti-dog fight bill
Dog fighting could be added to the list of crimes under New Jersey’s racketeering statutes known as RICO.
A bill establishing the crimes of dog fighting and leading a dog-fighting network is due to be considered Thursday by the Assembly’s Judiciary Committee.
Offenders could face up to three years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Animal fighting in general is already against the law in the state. This bill codifies the crime under RICO and adds the crime of supervising a dog-fight network.
The measure would order the courts to seize dogs used as fighters or bait, and allow judges to bar offenders from owning animals in the future.
A similar bill stalled during the prior legislative session.
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