Animal Fighting Bill Passed
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Updated: 2:10 PM Feb 6, 2008
Animal Fighting Bill Passed
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)
The state Senate unanimously passed legislation to toughen Virginia's laws against animal fighting.
Posted: 7:30 PM Feb 5, 2008
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The state Senate unanimously passed legislation to toughen Virginia's laws against animal fighting.

The bill approved Tuesday would make cockfighting a felony. Cockfighting now is illegal only if gambling is involved, and then it's just a misdemeanor. It also cracks down on other types of animal fighting, including dogfighting.

The issue gained urgency after the Michael Vick dogfighting case. The suspended Atlanta Falcons star is serving a 23-month sentence in federal prison.

Senator Tommy Norment's bill would make it a felony to use any device or substance, such as steroids, to enhance an animal's fighting ability. It also would outlaw allowing a juvenile to attend an animal fight.

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