A. It is unlawful for any person to cause, sponsor, arrange, hold or participate in a fight between dogs or cocks for the purpose of monetary gain or entertainment. Participation in a fight between dogs or cocks for the purpose of monetary gain or entertainment consists of an adult knowingly:

(1) being present at a dog fight without attempting to interfere with or stop the contest; or

(2) owning or equipping one of the participating dogs or cocks with knowledge of the contest.

B. It is unlawful to train, equip or sponsor a dog or cock for the purpose of having it participate in a fight with another dog or cock, respectively, for monetary gain or entertainment.

C. Any person violating the provisions of Subsection A or B of this section, as it pertains to dogs, is guilty of a fourth degree felony.

D. Any person violating the provisions of Subsection A or B of this section as it pertains to cocks:

(1) upon a first conviction, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor;

(2) upon a second conviction, is guilty of a misdemeanor; and

(3) upon a third or subsequent conviction, is guilty of a fourth degree felony.

History: Laws 1981, ch. 30, § 1; 2007, ch. 6, § 2.

The 2007 amendment, effective June 15, 2007, added "or cocks" after the word "dogs" in Subsection A; changed "such a fight" to "a dog fight" in Paragraph (1) of Subsection A; added "or cock" and "or cock, respectively" after the words "dog" in Subsection B; added "as it pertains to dogs" after the word "section" in Subsection C; and added Subsection D to provide penalties.