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GA SB512

Bill

Status

Engrossed

3/15/2022

Primary Sponsor

Chuck Payne

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2021-2022 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands Georgia's existing dogfighting statute to also prohibit game cock fighting, including owning, possessing, training, transporting, or selling game cocks intended for fighting
  • Criminalizes the knowing possession, purchase, or sale of "fighting related objects" — equipment or materials designed for training or conditioning dogs or game cocks for fighting — as a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature
  • First conviction for participating in, promoting, or wagering on dog or game cock fighting is a felony punishable by 1–5 years imprisonment and/or a minimum $5,000 fine; second or subsequent convictions carry 1–10 years and/or a minimum $15,000 fine
  • Knowingly attending a dog or game cock fight as a spectator, or causing a minor (under 18) to be present, is a high and aggravated misdemeanor on first offense, escalating to a felony on second and subsequent convictions
  • Courts may prohibit convicted offenders from owning or controlling animals of the relevant species for up to 5 years on a first conviction and 10 years on subsequent convictions; exemptions are provided for lawful hunting, agricultural livestock work, law enforcement, and pest control activities

Legislative Description

Gambling; dogfighting; revise provisions

Last Action

House Second Readers

3/17/2022

Committee Referrals

Judiciary - Non-Civil3/16/2022
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs2/15/2022

Full Bill Text

No bill text available