Bill would make possession of animal-fighting gear a felony

Over the years, organized dog-fighting has escalated in Minnesota, especially in the summer months. A bill currently before the Legislature would significantly up the ante on getting caught at it.

Under the current terms of Minnesota law, it’s a felony to engage in dog-fighting. Rep. Joe Mullery, D-58A, is the chief author of a bill at the Lege that would go even further, making it a felony to be found in possession of the sort of equipment associated with animal fighting, such as treadmills, steroids, knives, blades and more. “We’re trying to prevent it,” he said.

Mullery, who says he has been working on this issue for the last six years, introduced a similar bill in 2005. Since then, he’s been tweaking the language to make it stand up legally (A judge previously ruled that the earlier version of Mullery’s bill was unconstitutional.) In a committee meeting, the revised bill passed unanimously, moving forward to the Senate floor on Monday, April 7.

Continued: Click “Read More”According to the terms of HF 3132, “Whoever possesses any device or substance with intent to use or permit the use of the same to enhance an animal’s ability to fight is guilty of a felony.” As for spectators, “Whoever purchases a ticket of admission or otherwise gains admission to the activity of cockfighting, dogfighting, or violent pitting of one animal against another of the same or a different kind is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.”

Keith Streff, who investigates animal cruelty cases for the Animal Humane Society (AHS) in Golden Valley, said most people are pretty na