SB39: AN ACT relating to animal fighting.

Legislative Summary

Amend KRS 525.125 to define "animal fight" and remove the definition of "dog fight"; provide that a person is guilty of cruelty to animals in the first degree when he or she knowingly causes an animal to engage in an animal fight, participates in the organization or operation of an animal fight, is present at an animal fight, or allows a minor to attend an animal fight; provide that falconry authorized by a valid permit and hunting license shall not constitute a violation of this section; provide that cruelty to animals in the first degree is a Class A misdemeanor if a person is present at an animal fight or allows a minor to attend an animal fight; require the court to forfeit the animal that is the subject of the violation, terminate or limit a person's ability possess animals, and transfer the animal to the original owner or the county animal control officer; allow restitution to be ordered for the cost and care of an animal transferred to the original owner or the county animal control officer; amend KRS 525.130 and 436.610 to conform and make technical corrections.