OH HB569

Prohibits knowingly engaging in cockfighting, bearbaiting, or pitting animals against each other, and prohibits using, training, or possessing animals for seizing, detaining, or maltreating domestic animals.

Creates enhanced penalties for activities related to animal fighting events, including wagering on results, paying for admission, profiting from admission charges, allowing minors to attend, and using devices or substances to enhance fighting ability.

Establishes that witnessing such events in violation of the law makes a person an aider and abettor.

Violating division (B) or (C) of the cockfighting statute is a felony with a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Violation of division (A) remains a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, while violations of divisions (B) and (C) are elevated to felony status with mandatory fines.