On March 4, Wyoming Gov .Dave Freudenthal signed legislation that increased the penalty for participating in dog fighting from a misdemeanor to a felony, making Wyoming the 50th state in the country to do so. Idaho passed similar legislation just a week earlier. “For many years, the American Veterinary Medical Association has recommended that animal fighting be considered a felony offense in this country, giving it the legal classification and punishment that a blood sport of this sort deserves,” said Adrian Hochstadt, assistant director of State Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at AVMA. “The AVMA condemns any and all events involving animals in which injury or death is intended, and we encourage veterinarians to collaborate with law enforcement with respect to recognition, enforcement and education about dog fighting. Together, we can help break down the criminal networks that perpetrate these violent crimes against animals.” Posted March 13, 2008, 1:45 p.m., EST <HOME>
