Austin Criminal Lawyers

Dog Fighting

Dog fighting used to be a problem that was confined to the south. Unfortunately, the practice has spread globally and is extremely popular in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. There are two basic types of dog fighting, street and professional. Street is less structured and is more a status symbol. This is the area where dog fighting is growing the fastest. Professional dog fighting revolves around a highly organized subculture made up of secretive groups. The professional type operates under Cajun Rules which is a collection of 19 rules covering all aspects of dog fights.

In Texas, all actions ranging from causing a dog to fight with another dog to attending a dog fight as a spectator are prohibited by the Texas Penal Code Section 42.10. It is illegal to possess, own, or keep a dog for the purpose of fighting. This is a misdemeanor offense. In addition, it is illegal to attend a dog fight as a spectator. This too is a misdemeanor.

The dog fighting statutes relating to actually fighting a dog is a felony. A conviction for a first offense can carry with it a fine of up to $5,000 as well as up to 2 years in jail. A second conviction carries a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail sentence of up to 10 years.

The Federal government has gotten involved in dog fighting as well. Through the Federal Animal Welfare Act, it is illegal to transport a dog across state lines for the purpose of fighting.

In addition to the dog fighting charges, an arrest for dog fighting can bring other criminal charges. These additional charges include animal cruelty, child endangerment, or operating a kennel without a license.

If you have been charged with any crime dealing with dog fighting, contact the Austin criminal defense lawyers of the Law Office of Morales & Navarrete at 1-866-812-4596 to determine the best plan for a successful defense.