Animal fighting is rampant in Tennessee, but laws affecting dog and cock fighting in Tennessee are weak. State and local legislators are not taking action against animal fighting.  We request that the the Tennessee State Judiciary Committee develop new and stronger laws against animal fighting, with mandated funding for enforcement.

Under current Tennessee law, animal cruelty is a misdemeanor.. Torturing an animal, inflicting burns and wounds, and withholding food and water, are misdemeanors. Cock fighting is a misdemeanor. Attending an animal fight is a misdemeanor. The maximum punishment for any of these crimes is less than 1 year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The only felonies related to dog and cock fighting are running a dogfighting organization,  running a gambling organization, and aggravated animal cruelty.  Aggravated animal cruelty is intentionally killing or causing serious physical injury  beyond misdemeanor animal torture. All of these are the least serious felonies in Tennessee, punishable by one to six years in prison, and a fine of $3,000 or less.

Tennessee legislators have failed to put in place strong laws against animal fighting, and to provide funding for enforcement of those laws. We request that the the Tennessee State Judiciary Committee take action where others have not.