Assigned to NREW                                                                                                                 FOR COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Fifth Legislature, Second Regular Session

 

FACT SHEET FOR H.B. 2324

 

animal fighting; cockfighting; minors presence

Purpose

An emergency measure that classifies, as a class 1 misdemeanor, knowingly causing, allowing or assisting a minor to attend an animal fight or cockfight or any place where fight preparations are being made.

Background

A person commits animal fighting by knowingly: 1) owning, possessing, keeping or training any animal if the person knows or has reason to know that the animal will engage in an exhibition of fighting with another animal; 2) causing, for amusement or gain, animals to fight or injure one another; or 3) permitting an animal fight on premises under the person's charge or control. A person commits cockfighting by knowingly: 1) owning, possessing, keeping or training any cock with the intent that such cock engage in an exhibition of fighting with another cock;
2) causing, for amusement or gain, cocks to fight or injure one another; or 3) permitting a cockfight on premises under the person's charge or control. A person who commits animal fighting or cockfighting is guilty of a class 5 felony. A person who is knowingly present at an animal fight or cockfight or place where preparations are being made for an animal fight or cockfight is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor (A.R.S. §§ 13-2910.01 – 13-2910.04).

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1.   Classifies, as a class 1 misdemeanor, knowingly causing, allowing or assisting a minor to attend:

a)   an animal fight;

b)   a cockfight; or

c)   any place where preparations are being made for an exhibition of animal fighting or cockfighting.

2.   Stipulates that the classification does not preclude the prosecution of a person for any offense based on any act that is not specifically outlined.

3.   Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.

House Action

GE                   1/26/22      DP       13-0-0-0

3rd Read          2/3/22                    59-0-1

Prepared by Senate Research

March 18, 2022

RC/MAH/slp