Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 14, Part 2.

INCREASED PENALTY<br /> <br /> Present law provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor to:<br /> <br /> (1) Own, possess, keep, use or train any bull, bear, dog, cock, swine, or other animal, for the purpose of fighting, baiting, or injuring another such animal, for amusement, sport, or gain;<br /> <br /> (2) Cause, for amusement, sport, or gain, any animal referenced in (1) above to fight, bait, or injure another animal, or each other; or<br /> <br /> (3) Permit any acts stated in (1) and (2) above to be done on any premises under the person's charge or control, or aid or abet those acts.<br /> <br /> This bill increases the penalty of the above provisions to a Class E felony. <br /> <br /> FINE FOR SPECTATING<br /> <br /> Present law provides that it is a Class A misdemeanor to:<br /> <br /> (A) Be knowingly present, as a spectator, at any place or building where preparations are being made for an exhibition for the fighting, baiting, or injuring of any animal, with the intent to be present at the exhibition, fighting, baiting, or injuring;<br /> <br /> (B) Knowingly cause a person under 18 to attend an animal fight; or<br /> <br /> (C) Possess, own, buy, sell, transfer, or manufacture cock fighting paraphernalia with the intent that the paraphernalia be used in promoting, facilitating, training for, or furthering cock fighting.<br /> <br /> Additionally, under present law, a violation of (B) above is a fine not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500.<br /> <br /> This bill adds that a violation of (A) above involving a cock is a fine not less than $1,000 nor more than $2,500.<br />