HASBSB476 WAGNERJ 3713
SENATE SUMMARY OF HOUSE AMENDMENTS
SB 476 2024 Regular Session Owen
KEYWORD AND SUMMARY AS RETURNED TO THE SENATE
CRIME/PUNISHMENT. Criminalizes the use of bait dogs in the training process for dog
fighting. (8/1/24)
SUMMARY OF HOUSE AMENDMENTS TO THE SENATE BILL
1. Change the proposed law definition of "bait dog".
DIGEST OF THE SENATE BILL AS RETURNED TO THE SENATE
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))
______________________
Jonathon Wagner
Staff Attorney