Governor signs tough new dog fighting law
May 7, 2008    Georgia Senate   

For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008

Contact: Jeremy Arieh, Deputy Director, 404-656-0028, jeremy.arieh@senate.ga.gov 

Governor signs tough new dog fighting law

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue has signed an important piece of legislation setting tough new penalties for those who sell, train or transport dogs for the purpose of dog fighting in Georgia. Sponsored by Rep. Bobby Reese (R-Sugar Hill) and Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), House Bill 301 expands current Georgia law on dog fighting to prohibit activities such as training dogs for fighting, organizing bets and advertising exhibitions. These new standards include penalties for those who actively participate in dog fighting.

“Georgia will no longer be a haven for those who participate in this despicable activity,” said Sen. Rogers. “With HB 301, our dog fighting laws will now be some of the toughest in the nation, which is something that I have pursued since 2004.”

Sen. Rogers has pushed for tougher laws and penalties for those who participate in dog fights for several years now, passing tough dog-fighting bills through the Senate on two separate occasions. Last year’s case involving former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick brought the cruelty of dog fighting to the front pages and the forefront of public consciousness. Sen. Rogers is pleased that a stronger dog fighting law is one of the products of the 2008 Legislative Session.

“The fighting and maiming of dogs in our state must stop,” Sen. Rogers added. “By signing HB 301, the Governor agrees that we must send a strong message to those who are actively participating in this horrible practice, and that message is that ‘we will not tolerate dog fighting in Georgia.’”

For more information on the Georgia State Senate, please visit www.senate.ga.gov.

Pictured (L-R): Cobb County K-9 law enforcement agents, Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), Governor Sonny Perdue, Rep. Bobby Reese (R-Sugar Hill), Rep. David Knight (R-Griffin) and Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna) attend today’s bill signing ceremony.

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Sen. Chip Rogers serves as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. He represents the 21st Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee and Cobb counties. He can be reached at his office at 404.463.1378 or by email at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov.

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