NY Senator Introduces Bill to Combat Dog Fighting - National Humane Education Society

Paws Up!

To New York Senator Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Island) for introducing S.8199 to increase maximum penalties for dog fighting.

Recently in Nassau County, NY, a man received his fourth conviction for his role in a dog fighting ring and is currently serving a one to four year prison sentence. This is because New York does not increase penalties for repeat convictions of dog fighting. If S.8199 is passed, repeat offenders will face longer sentences for their subsequent crimes. The bill also calls for higher maximum sentences and steeper fines for first-time offenders.

Dog fighting occurs in every state in the United States, in both rural and urban settings. Unfortunately, it is a lucrative industry that usually occurs in tandem with other forms of organized crime including drug trafficking and illegal gambling.  Last year, the remains of 47 dogs  thought to be victims of dog fighting were found in the Bronx, highlighting the grim pervasiveness of the blood sport in New York.

Take action: Residents of New York, contact your senators, and urge them to support S.8199!