RDCSB476 4274 3579
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 476 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Owen
Present law creates the crime of dogfighting and provides that no person can intentionally:
(1)For amusement or gain, cause any dog to fight with another dog, or cause any dogs
to injure each other.
(2)Permit any act to be done on any premises under his charge or control, or aid or abet
any such act that, for amusement or gain, causes any dog to fight with another dog,
or causes dogs to injure each other.
(3)Promote, stage, advertise, or be employed at a dogfighting exhibition.
(4)Sell a ticket of admission or receive money for the admission of any person to any
place used, or about to be used, for dogfighting.
(5)Own, manage, or operate any facility kept or used for dogfighting.
(6)Knowingly attend as a spectator at any organized dogfighting event.
(7)Own, possess, keep, or train a dog for purpose of dogfighting.
A violation of present law is punishable by a fine between $1,000 and $25,000, or
imprisonment with or without hard labor for between one year and 10 years, or both.
Proposed law defines the term "bait dog".
Proposed law provides that possessing or using a bait dog to train another dog for
dogfighting is admissible as evidence against a person charged with the crime of
dogfighting.
Proposed law also provides that owning or possessing a former bait dog for the purpose of
providing it with rehabilitative care is not a violation of proposed law. Proposed law
increases the minimum fine from $1,000 to $5,000.
Proposed law otherwise retains present law.
Effective August 1, 2024.
(Amends R.S. 14:102.5(B) and (C); Adds R.S. 14:102.5(A)(7)(b)(iv) and (D)(5))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the engrossed bill:
1. Change the proposed law definition of "bait dog".
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