Wednesday at the Montana Legislature, lawmakers hear a bill that would criminalize the act of watching animal fights. The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Tom Richmond, says it aims to give police an extra tool for catching organizers of the events and to stop anyone from encouraging this felony-level crime.
“They are participants in the activities. They’re there to gamble or to watch the blood sport, or whatever you want to call it. But they are there with the purpose of watching an animal fight.”
Under House Bill 378, bystanders of animal fights would face misdemeanor charges and fines of up to $500. Those actually participating would still be charged with felonies, which carry at least a year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine.
Montana is the last state to impose sanctions on bystanders of animal fights.
The bill passed the House earlier this month and now heads to the Senate Ag Committee.