AB 242 Nava - Dog Fighting

Current Legislative Status »

Existing law provides that the crime of dog fighting is a felony or a misdemeanor, punishable as specified. Existing law provides that the crime of being a spectator at a dog fight is a misdemeanor. This bill would increase the penalties for these crimes by providing instead, that the crime of dog fighting is a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for 2 to 4 years and a specified fine. The crime of being a spectator at a dog fight is a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months to 3 years. Because certain prosecution costs are added at the local level when a misdemeanor is made a felony, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

PetPAC’s position is neutral.

Note: AB 242 increases the penalty for dog fighting from what is known as a “wobbler”. Meaning a misdemeanor or felony decided by the courts. This would increase being a spectator at a dog fight to a penalty of felony, and it is our belief the bill will not survive.