Michigan cracks down on dogfighting

Wednesday January 2nd, 2013

by DogTime Staff

Max_300_michigan-anti-dogfighting-l
Under the law, people convicted of dogfighting could face 20 years in prison. (Photo Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell/Detroit Free Press)

After a year of high profile dogfighting busts in cities like Detroit, Flint, and Kalamazoo, the state of Michigan is ready to turn the tables in 2013. As of December 12, the Great Lakes State enacted what might be the toughest anti-dogfighting legislation in the nation.

A state once considered an epicenter for brutal animal fighting operations is now going to set the bar for animal fighting legislation in other parts of the country.

“Michigan is not a good place to bring dogfighting,” said State Senator Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), one of the sponsors of the new legislation.

Under the new law, people convicted of dogfighting or cockfighting in the state of Michigan could face as much as $100,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison. Previously animal fighting only carried a prison sentence of up to four years in prison and maximum fine of $50,000 with most offenders paying the bare minimum of $1,000 to $5,000, according to Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Raj Prasad.

“It enables us to go after the more long-term breeders and fighters,” Prasad told the Lansing State Journal. “These laws are designed to go after the bigger operations that have a lot more invested in dogfighting [and] cockfighting.”

Prasad also points out that dogfights are often venues for other illegal acts.

“They’re hotbeds of criminal activity beyond the fighting—gambling, narcotics, guns,” the Assistant Prosecutor said. Illegal contraband and unregistered weapons are often found at locations where animal fighting has taken place, Prasad explained.

Offenders practicing these cruel blood sports could also lose their property under the new legislation, which will grant police the power to seize homes, barns, sheds, vehicles, and other venues associated with animal fighting. These new measures will put these cruel crimes in the same category as racketeering, large scale drug operations and prostitution rings.

“[It is] a welcome punishment for those who are caught,” said Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon. “If you’re going to profit from this, we’re going to take your profit from you.”

“It’s sweeping legislation that has been noticed nationwide as a real example of getting tough on a terrible blood sport,” Jones said proudly.

Midwest State Director for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Vicki Deisner agrees that Michigan’s anti-dogfighting measures set a new national precedent.

“Michigan is out ahead on this one,” Deisner told USA Today.

Around the Web
No comments about this page yet. Be the first!

Recent conversations on these topics

  • service animals to the disabled

    Hi I had a dog that I trained to be my service animal. He was great medically for me. I don't understand why some people wont respect not only the person who needs a service animal but the dog also. I currently went threw a situation where a person temporally watch my sa and then I took hm back. He knew everything about me and all about my disabilities he had also saved my life many times. When he passed a way on Oct 31 2012 I was told that I hurt him causing him to die. I just want people to understand when a person has a service animal it is because they have a debuilatating illness and it can be something other than a blindness. Mine helped my illnesses and was a great companion to me. Please be sensitive to people who need these animals and don't judge the person or dog who is working. We all need to be loved and respected.

  • Despicable

    Every. Last. Bad. Thing. Despicable. Several dogs, cats, ALL animals have gone through abuse and sometimes we aren't able to find them before it's too late. Why does it happen? Because some people are just so sick and messed up that they have the audacity to bring it out on others. Specifically the ones they know won't fight back. The ones that are innocent and caring, turned into petrified and shivering animals. Who could be so disgusting? Well, take a look around. Our world is filled with sin and disgrace. And those who take it to the next level should ALL be reprehended. Look at me; it's so noticeable that a 12-YEAR OLD can see it! Whether it's abuse, or just careless terrorism, it needs to be stopped. But the only ones who can fix it are the ones who speak up. So everyone needs to speak up, pass it around, and hopefully we can all stop animal abuse. Thank you to all who looked at this, and may all beaten to death (the word makes me shiver) pets, including my one friend's dog who had died in a car crash, rest in peace.

  • Unconditional Love

    I read some of these stories that come on here, and I just can not believe how anyone can be so cruel.We are these animals voice, put yourself in there place. No matter how cruel you are to them, they still love you, you are there world. What did they do to deserve what you have done to them. Put youself in there place, let someone throw you in a fire pit, pour acid on you, leave you tied up outside with no protection from the elements no food or water, no human touch or compassion. I truly believe that there are no mean animals, just mean humans. I'm a retired dog groomer, I have worked in a vetinary clinic and my own grooming salon of which I retired from. I believe the clinic is where I learned the most from,the owners whom were moving and there dog was pregnant because they failed to spay her and they didnt want the puppies, to the man who had a shock collar on a puppy and it was so strong it burnt the puppies neck and the family who brought there dog in to be put to sleep and didn't console his wife whom was sobbing only to hear him say oh well we have another one at home. To pets eating socks to pets eating posion. I know this is nothing like some of the stories I have read. Some are just heartbreaking and then some just want me to strangle the people. I am a strong believer in spaying and neutering heartworm medication flea prevention and dentals, quality food and kind heart and gentle hand, I provide everything I can to my two pets one I purchased from a breeder and the other I adopted from our local shelter I love them both unconditionally.

  • Not A Story

    I'm soryy to say, that, this isn't a story or a topic. It's about that poor little Poodle Mix that was blind. I need to tell you, that that brought me to tears. How could an adorable little dog like that live in a trash pile. If you are reading this, tell all of your friends and family to read it, too. Listen to this message. All dogs are cute and fun and nice. Treat them like they deserve to be treated, like Fiona did. Love you SO much Fiona and God bless. GOOD LUCK ON EYE SURGERY!!! P.S Leave a lot of comments!!! I'll send them to Fiona!!! LOVE YOU FIONA!!!

Welcome to DogTime.com

DOGTIME LOGIN or SIGN UP

close