Dog and animal fighting

Is dogfighting a felony in New York?

Yes. New York State law is among the most comprehensive in the country.

The following are felonies, punishable by up to $25,000 or up to four years in jail, or both:

• For amusement or gain, causing any animal to engage in animal fighting
• Training any animal under circumstances evincing an intent that such animal engage in animal fighting for amusement or gain
• Breeding, selling or offering for sale any animal under circumstances evincing an intent that such animal engage in animal fighting
• Permitting animal fighting to occur on premises under your control
• Owning, or keeping any animal trained to engage in animal fighting where an exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted under circumstances evincing an intent that such animal engage in animal fighting.

Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 or a year in jail, or both:

• Owning, possessing or keeping of any animal under circumstances evincing an intent that such animal engage in animal fighting.

Misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or one year in jail, or both:

• Knowing presence as a spectator having paid an admission fee or having made a wager at any place where an exhibition of animal fighting is being conducted.

It is also a crime to be present where an animal fight is being conducted without having placed a wager or paid an admission fee.

See Ag & Mkts Article 26 "Animals", Section 351 for further information.