HB3984 Summary

• Increases criminal penalties for dog fighting violations in Illinois Criminal Code Section 26-5 by raising felony classifications by one level across multiple offense categories

• First violations of owning, breeding, training, or leasing dogs for fighting (subsection a, b, c) elevated from Class 4 to Class 3 felony; second or subsequent violations elevated from Class 3 to Class 2 felony, with fines up to $50,000

• Violations involving manufacturing or possessing dog fighting equipment (subsection d, e) increased from misdemeanor to Class 4 felony for first offense, with second or subsequent violations raised to Class 2 felony

• Attending or patronizing dog fighting events (subsection g) elevated from misdemeanor to Class 4 felony for first violation and Class 3 felony for subsequent violations; bringing a child under 13 years old to such events increased to Class 3 felony for first violation and Class 2 felony for subsequent violations

• Creating new Class 2 felony for knowingly owning or selling dogs bred for fighting when the dog participates in a fight involving aggravating factors (presence of minors, illegal wagering, or gang-related activity)