New law strengthens animal fighting penalties

LANSING (AP) -- Bills that strengthen penalties for organized animal fighting have been signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder. The new law allows authorities to declare properties involved in animal fighting to be a nuisance. It also allows authorities to padlock the property and paves the way for the seizure and sale of its contents, including automobiles. Supporters included Michigan Humane Society and the Michigan State Bar. They say the goal is to stem the rise of animal fighting rings and dog fighting, particularly in the Detroit area. Snyder says in a statement the new law gives "law enforcement the tools they need to put a stop to animal fighting." Published: Thu, Dec 20, 2012