Saying that dog fighting is “an activity we will not tolerate here in Georgia,” Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law a bill Best Friends helped engineer that provides tougher penalties for individuals involved in dog fighting, including spectators.
State Sen. Chip Rogers, who had pushed for the legislation since 2004, was at the signing ceremony on May 6.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Best Friends Animal Society for all their work behind the scenes when we were first crafting this legislation,” Rogers said. “Without the help of Best Friends, our task of taking this legislation from a bill to the governor’s desk would have been much more difficult.”

Georgia’s previous dog-fighting law was among the worst in the country.

“It is a big win for the dogs in Georgia and a good day for any of us who are working for a kinder, more civil society,” said Paul Berry, Best Friends’ chief executive. “The old law was very vague and was of little help to local law enforcement agencies working to stop dog fighting in Georgia. This new law gives law enforcement better tools to prosecute people who fight dogs, as well as those who participate as spectators of this cruel, violent enterprise.”

The new law makes it a felony to train, transport, sell or own a fighting dog, or to advertise, promote or bet on fights. Attending a dogfight will be a high and aggravated misdemeanor on the first offense, a felony on subsequent ones.

Perdue, a veterinarian, called dog fighting a "repulsive, senseless organized crime.”

“Over the past year there has been a bright spotlight shining on a sad situation ... the bloody, brutal world of dog fighting,” he said, referring in part to the conviction and imprisonment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick for dog fighting. “It’s not a sport, it’s really barbarism.”

Berry praised Rogers for his years of work on the legislation.

“Long before dog fighting became the hot issue of the day, Sen. Rogers was working hard behind the scenes on behalf of the animals. Best Friends salutes his major contribution to this new law.”

In addition to the governor and Rogers, others at the signing ceremony were State Rep. Bobby Reese, who sponsored the bill in the House, State Rep. David Knight, State Rep. Rich Golick, K-9 law enforcement teams and representatives from animal welfare groups such as the Georgia Canine Coalition and outdoors groups such as the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

“This is a big step in closing a legal loophole in Georgia, and I hope this deters future violence against dogs,” Reese said.

Rogers said the new law “sends a loud message to those who would torture man’s best friend for their own sick enjoyment.”

“Dog fighting will be prosecuted and those taking part in this heinous act can expect to go to jail,” he said. “No longer will Georgia be a haven for these depraved dog fighters.”

Written by Michael Rinker