Cockfighting Laws & Penalties
In the past, cockfighting was a popular form of entertainment in the agrarian south. Today it is still considered a national pastime in some parts of the world. In the United States, laws against cockfighting and other animal fighting have gradually been elevated throughout the country, making cockfighting an underground criminal activity. Today, Florida has one of the most stringent laws against animal fighting of any state. The activity has been completely banned within Florida because of its exploitation of animal violence and suffering for entertainment and monetary gain.
If you are caught participating in cockfighting in any way, you may be arrested under Florida’s Animal Fighting Act (AFA). Under Florida’s AFA, it is illegal to bait animals against one another for fighting and to own or operate a facility for animal fighting, including cockfighting. It is also illegal to bet on animal fights or even to attend animal fights. These laws make Florida one of the few states that have taken the initiative to make all aspects of cockfighting illegal.
The penalties for criminal animal fighting are costly. It is a third degree felony to own fighting animals, equipment, or facilities. Any involvement with cockfighting, including breeding, transporting, or selling animals is also a third degree felony. Attending a cockfight or betting on a cockfight is a first degree misdemeanor. For a third degree felony charge, offenders face up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine if convicted. First degree misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. For either a felony or misdemeanor, you will have a criminal record which could severely limit future professional opportunities.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with criminal cockfighting, it is important to have a strong legal defense. For sound legal advice and assistance with your criminal cockfighting charges, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
