Legislative Matter

Miami-Dade Legislative Item
File Number: 072588

Printable PDF Format

Clerk's Official Copy

File Number: 072588

File Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted

Version: 0

Reference: R-1245-07

Control: County Commission

File Name: INCREASE THE PENALTIES & FINES FOR DOG/ANIMAL FIGHTING

Introduced: 8/30/2007

Requester: NONE

Cost:

Final Action: 11/6/2007

Agenda Date: 11/6/2007

Agenda Item Number: 11A11

Notes:

Title:

RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES AND FINES FOR DOG AND OTHER ANIMAL FIGHTING

Indexes:

ANIMALS

Sponsors:	Rebeca Sosa, Prime Sponsor
	Jose "Pepe" Diaz, Co-Sponsor
	Sally A. Heyman, Co-Sponsor
	Dorrin D. Rolle, Co-Sponsor
	Dennis C. Moss, Co-Sponsor

Sunset Provision: No

Effective Date:

Expiration Date:

Registered Lobbyist:

None Listed

Legislative History
Acting Body	Date	Agenda Item	Action	Sent To	Due Date	Returned	Pass/Fail

Board of County Commissioners	11/6/2007	11A11	Adopted				P

Budget and Finance Committee	10/9/2007	2O	Forwarded to BCC with a favorable recommendation				P
REPORT:	Assistant County Attorney Jess McCarty read the foregoing proposed resolution into the record. It was moved by Commissioner Sosa that this proposed resolution be forwarded to the County Commission with a favorable recommendation. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Diaz. Commissioner Diaz asked that he be listed as a co-sponsor. Hearing no other questions or comments, the Committee proceeded to vote.

County Attorney	8/30/2007		Assigned	Jess M. McCarty		9/13/2007

County Attorney	8/30/2007		Assigned	Budget and Finance Committee	10/9/2007

Legislative Text

TITLE
RESOLUTION URGING THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES AND FINES FOR DOG AND OTHER ANIMAL FIGHTING

BODY
WHEREAS, in a dog fight, two dogs are placed in an enclosed pit, where they fight before a crowd of spectators until one dog is too injured or exhausted to continue; and
WHEREAS, dogs used in dog fights are typically American pit bull terriers that have been bred and trained to be highly aggressive; and
WHEREAS, there has been an unprecedented increase in dog fighting in recent years, according to the Humane Society of the United States; and
WHEREAS, law enforcement officials nationwide have documented a strong connection between organized dog fighting and other crimes, including violent crimes, illegal gambling, and illegal drugs; and
WHEREAS, the exposure of young children to dog fighting can promote insensitivity towards animal suffering and acceptance of violence; and
WHEREAS, the presence of dangerous and aggressive dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks on children; and
WHEREAS, under Florida law, sponsoring, participating in, betting on, or attending a dog fight is a third degree felony with a maximum prison sentence of five (5) years and a maximum fine of $5,000; and

WHEREAS, many other states have higher penalties and/or fines associated with dog fighting, including Kansas (ten (10) year maximum prison sentence and $100,000 maximum fine); Louisiana (ten (10) year maximum prison sentence and $25,000 maximum fine); California ($50,000 maximum fine); Alabama (ten (10) year maximum prison sentence); Illinois ($50,000 maximum fine); and
WHEREAS, higher penalties in the State of Florida might serve to deter further dog fighting,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board:
Section 1. Urges the Florida Legislature to increase the penalties and fines for dog and other animal fighting.
Section 2. Directs the Clerk of the Board to transmit certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, and the Chair and Members of the Miami-Dade State Legislative Delegation.
Section 3. Directs the County's state lobbyists to advocate for the issues identified in section 1 above, and directs the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to include this item in the 2008 state legislative package.