KY: Senate panel OKs bill to toughen laws against dogfighting

By BRUCE SCHREINER Associated Press 2/23/16

FRANKFORT, Ky.

A Senate panel advanced a bill Tuesday to put more bite in Kentucky's weakest-in-the-nation laws against dogfighting, but animal rights activists said revisions could create loopholes for those supplying fighting dogs.

Kentucky outlaws the actual act of dogfighting "for pleasure or profit," but it's the only state that doesn't outlaw a series of actions contributing to the blood sport, said Sen. Paul Hornback, the bill's lead sponsor.

That lack of sufficient reach in cracking down on many of those playing roles in staging those events makes Kentucky's dogfighting laws the weakest in the country, said Hornback, R-Shelbyville.

Hornback said he's not sure how pervasive dogfighting is in Kentucky, but acknowledged "it's out there. ... It's abusing animals. It's something that we need to get under control in Kentucky."
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The measure approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee would expand the law to make it a felony to breed, possess, train or sell dogs for the "primary purpose" of dogfighting.

Offenders would face prison sentences of one to five years, the same penalty that already exists for those who organize dogfights and own the canine combatants and sites where the fights occur.

Hornback, the committee's chairman, has worked with animal rights and sportsmen's groups since last year, trying to develop a version acceptable to both sides.

But some animal rights activists raised concerns Tuesday that the version approved by the committee is too broad, creating potential loopholes for those wanting to supply fighting dogs. They pointed to a section that would exempt dogs involved in activities sanctioned by unspecified, accredited national organizations.

Cynthia Criswell, representing the group Kentuckians Vote for Animals, said she's concerned that language "leaves it open for dogfighters to find a way to get around" the legislation.

Asked if she supports the version before the committee, she replied: "It's better than nothing, I guess."

Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said the version headed toward the full Senate was a "reasonable compromise." The bill would go to the House if it passes the Senate.

The measure would exempt the activities of dogs engaged in hunting, field trials and guarding livestock.

Doug Morgan, president of the Kentucky Houndsmen Association, said he was satisfied with the version approved by the committee. In doing so, he recited an old saying among coon hunters: "A hound dog knows the difference between being kicked and stumbled over." He said there's nothing in the bill "that will come back and kick Kentucky houndsmen."

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