by
<a href="mailto:sharons@awcnet.org">Sharon Swanson</a>, <a href="mailto:shannonm@awcnet.org">Shannon McClelland</a> | Apr 29, 2019
<a target="_blank" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1919&Initiative=false&Year=2019"><strong>HB 1919</strong></a>, the most comprehensive animal fighting bill this session, has passed the Legislature and was delivered to the Governor for signature.
HB 1919, the most comprehensive animal fighting bill this session, has passed the Legislature and was delivered to the Governor for signature.
The bill does the following:
- Expands the circumstances under which a person may commit an animal fighting offense to include:
- Stealing an animal for animal fighting; and
- Possessing, transferring, manufacturing, or engaging in other activities relating to animal fighting paraphernalia.
- Defines "animal fighting paraphernalia" to include equipment, products, implements, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting. Animal fighting paraphernalia includes but is not limited to: cat mills; fighting pits; spring poles; unprescribed veterinary medicine; treatment supplies; and gaffs, slashers, heels, and any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl.
- Elevates the classification of animal fighting to a Class B felony when a person intentionally mutilates an animal for fighting purposes.
- Provides that a person is guilty of animal cruelty in the second degree when he or she abandons an animal that has been used for animal fighting, and, as a result, the animal suffers or is at risk to suffer harm.