SB 990 Summary

• Defines "animal" as a vertebrate other than a human being and prohibits owning, possessing, buying, selling, or importing animals for fighting, baiting, or shooting as a test of marksmanship.

• Establishes felony penalties of up to 4 years imprisonment, fines of $5,000-$50,000, and 500-1,000 community service hours for animal fighting violations; lesser penalties of up to 4 years, fines up to $5,000, and 250-500 community service hours for being present at or organizing such activities.

• Imposes felony penalties up to life imprisonment for owners who incite fighting animals to fatally attack persons, and up to 4 years imprisonment for non-fatal attacks; establishes misdemeanor penalties for allowing fighting animals to escape property boundaries.

• Allows seizure and confiscation of animals used in fighting; requires animal shelters and law enforcement agencies to notify owners within 72 hours and hold animals for 14 days while owners may post security bonds to prevent disposition.

• Exempts law enforcement dogs, certified guide dogs, and licensed security company dogs used in accordance with law; permits euthanasia of seized animals that pose public safety threats after court determination.