NY S00251

Defines "animal fighting" as fights between animals or between animals and persons for amusement or gain, excluding rodeo exhibitions.

Establishes three felony and misdemeanor offenses for promoting animal fighting: third degree (class B misdemeanor), second degree (class A misdemeanor), and first degree (class D felony) based on ownership, possession, training, or breeding of fighting animals.

Creates new crime of "promoting enterprise animal fighting" (class C felony) for organizing continuous exhibitions involving multiple animals or possessing more than six animals intended for fighting, or repeat violations within five years.

Authorizes courts to impose fines up to $15,000 for second degree violations, $25,000 for first degree violations, and $35,000 for enterprise animal fighting convictions.

Permits courts to order forfeiture of animals used in fighting to animal protection societies upon conviction and takes effect 90 days after becoming law.