Current status of the bill and how you can help!

The Georgia Dog Fighting Act passed unanimously by the Senate during the last three legislative session. In 2007, the bill remained in the House Non-Civil Judiciary Committee when the session ended.

The purpose behind the Georgia Dog Fighting Act was to replace the antiquated law and give prosecutors the tools they need to prosecute those who intentionally involve themselves in dog fighting. It removes potential loopholes and protects those involved in legitimate sporting and hunting practices. This bill specifically protects the rights of hunters and does not infringe whatsoever in the training of dogs to hunt.

The Georgia Dog Fighting Act will amend and strengthen Georgia's Dog Fighting Law in the following ways:

* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act makes it illegal for a person to train a dog for the purpose of fighting. SB 16 uses the term “baiting” to describe training. Baiting is carefully defined so that it is limited to the training of dogs specifically for the purpose of fighting and will not prohibit any type of legal dog training activity.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act makes it illegal for a person to own, breed, purchase or transport a dog for the purpose of fighting or baiting.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act makes it illegal to rent or make available any location for the purpose of fighting or baiting.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act makes it illegal to bet, referee, promote, advertise, sponsor or serve as the stakeholder for any dog fighting or baiting activity.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act keeps the same felony penalty that Georgia's current law has. SB 16 removes mandatory sentencing and gives Judges more discretion.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act adds a new felony penalty of imprisonment between 1 and 10 years, minimum fine of $15,000 or both imprisonment and fine for a second or subsequent conviction of dog fighting by the same person.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act adds the new felony offense of being a spectator at a dog fight.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act adds that Judges may prohibit defendants from owning or possessing animals.
* The Georgia Dog Fighting Act applies only to dog on dog fighting and does not prohibit hunting or dog competition training.

The majority of Dog Fighters have a lengthy criminal history and do not value public safety .

Dog Fighting breeds criminal activity; including:

* Organized Crime
* Drug Trafficking/Narcotics
* Money Laundering
* Gambling
* Child Endangerment
* Weapons
* Gang Activity
* Homicide

Efforts are currently underway with a strong team on the ground in Georgia! Every effort will be made to see this bill through. We still however need your help!

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Join this campaign!

Staying in touch with the latest developments is an enormous part of this campaign. Politics changes everyday so please stay informed by joining the Network by clicking here!. Once you are a member, please join this community by clicking on the, “join this community” link on the right side of the page. You can choose to be alerted any time a new story is posted. That is the best way to stay informed!

Contact your lamakers!

Please make sure you contact your Georgia lawmakers. Letting them know that there are people in their respective districts that support the legislation is the best way to let them know that they need to vote for the bill!

Please use the following link to find out who your lawmakers are (use the zip +4 search box on the left), and then look under the resources tab above to find a sample letter that you are more than welcome to use as a template. Again, a show of force is so important in a political campaign, so make sure to tell your friends to e-mail their representatives too!