August 27, 2009 by Eric Weisbrot
The state of Virginia has made additions to the existing anti-dog fighting laws HB 656/SB 592; the laws and are being modified so that they are applicable to all animals. The new law explains that if an animal is seized because of its use in fighting matches, the court will have the animal forfeited to the locality. The animal’s owner has the right to contest the forfeiture, but they must post a surety bond with the locality to cover the cost of caring for the animal for a period of nine months. If the animal is kept for multiple nine-month periods an additional bond will be required for each successive period; this will continue until the court reaches a final determination on the criminal charges.
One has to wonder whether Virginia’s decision to expand the law has anything to do with the attention NFL quarterback Michael Vick has brought to dog fighting within the state. Perhaps some good can come of the awful situation created by the fallen football star.
