Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety Committee |
HB 1929
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Restricting animal fighting paraphernalia.
Sponsors: Representatives Lovick, Klippert, Leavitt and Stanford.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/18/19
Staff: Omeara Harrington (786-7136).
Background:
Participation in animal fighting is a criminal offense. The crime of Animal Fighting encompasses various prohibited activities including, but not limited to, knowingly doing or causing a minor to do any of the following:
own, possess, buy, sell, or train an animal with the intent that the animal will be engaged in a fighting exhibition;
organize, promote, watch, wager money for, or otherwise participate in an animal fighting exhibition;
keep, use, or accept payment for admission to any place for animal fighting; or
take, lead away, possess, transfer, or receive an animal intending to use it for fighting, or for training or baiting for the purpose of fighting.
Animal Fighting is a class C felony.
Summary of Bill:
In addition to existing grounds, a person is guilty of Animal Fighting if he or she owns, possesses, buys, sells, transfers, or manufactures animal fighting paraphernalia for the purpose of engaging in, promoting, or facilitating animal fighting, or for baiting a live animal for the purpose of animal fighting.
"Animal fighting paraphernalia" includes equipment, products, implements, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting. Animal fighting paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to: breaking sticks; cat mills; treadmills; fighting pits; springpoles; unprescribed veterinary medicine; treatment supplies; and gaffs, slashers, heels, and any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested February 13, 2019.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.