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.