Saying that dog fighting is “an activity we will not tolerate here in Georgia,” Gov. Sonny Perdue signed into law a bill Best Friends helped engineer that provides tougher penalties for individuals involved in dog fighting, including spectators.

State Sen. Chip Rogers, who had pushed for the legislation since 2004, was at the signing ceremony on May 6.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Best Friends Animal Society for all their work behind the scenes when we were first crafting this legislation,” Rogers said. “Without the help of Best Friends, our task of taking this legislation from a bill to the governor’s desk would have been much more difficult.”

Georgia’s previous dog-fighting law was among the worst in the country.

“It is a big win for the dogs in Georgia and a good day for any of us who are working for a kinder, more civil society,” said Paul Berry, Best Friends’ chief executive. “The old law was very vague and was of little help to local law enforcement agencies working to stop dog fighting in Georgia. This new law gives law enforcement better tools to prosecute people who fight dogs, as well as those who participate as spectators of this cruel, violent enterprise.”

The new law makes it a felony to train, transport, sell or own a fighting dog, or to advertise, promote or bet on fights. Attending a dogfight will be a high and aggravated misdemeanor on the first offense, a felony on subsequent ones.

Perdue, a veterinarian, called dog fighting a "repulsive, senseless organized crime.”

“Over the past year there has been a bright spotlight shining on a sad situation ... the bloody, brutal world of dog fighting,” he said, referring in part to the conviction and imprisonment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick for dog fighting. “It’s not a sport, it’s really barbarism.”

Berry praised Rogers for his years of work on the legislation.

“Long before dog fighting became the hot issue of the day, Sen. Rogers was working hard behind the scenes on behalf of the animals. Best Friends salutes his major contribution to this new law.”

In addition to the governor and Rogers, others at the signing ceremony were State Rep. Bobby Reese, who sponsored the bill in the House, State Rep. David Knight, State Rep. Rich Golick, K-9 law enforcement teams and representatives from animal welfare groups such as the Georgia Canine Coalition and outdoors groups such as the Georgia Wildlife Federation.

“This is a big step in closing a legal loophole in Georgia, and I hope this deters future violence against dogs,” Reese said.

Rogers said the new law “sends a loud message to those who would torture man’s best friend for their own sick enjoyment.”

“Dog fighting will be prosecuted and those taking part in this heinous act can expect to go to jail,” he said. “No longer will Georgia be a haven for these depraved dog fighters.”

Written by Michael Rinker
Photo courtesy of Dick Pettys from the Georgia Insider Advantage

To read the background on this legislation visit Best Friends Network's End Georgia Dogfighting.

The work of Best Friends is possible only because of your generous support. Click here to help us reach our goal of No More Homeless Pets.

Check out more Best Friends news.

May 23, 2008 : 9:15 AM ET
posted by: debra517

Can someone tell me more about the situation with Meijer? I shop there and want to understand the details. Thanks.

May 14, 2008 : 11:23 AM ET
posted by: missruth

Good for Georgia! When all states strengthen & enforce their laws, it will indeed be a cause for celebration. The one thing I thank Michael Vick for is his actions put the spotlight on this cruel practice.

Saw a comment on Amazon.com. Have heard about them selling books/magazines on blood sport. I w/buy online from B&N - Never from Amazon. Also, a Meijer store here in Michigan suspended benefit for homeless pets (from house foreclosures because of pressure from couple of hunting orgs. Know many, including myself, who are boycotting Meijer & are letting them know we aren't happy w/their decision. Please join us. Thanks.

May 11, 2008 : 6:24 PM ET
posted by: Mary Jacobs

Was glad to see that we are finally going to take care of those who treat badly and bring much harm and pain to pets that can't defend themselves. We need all states to rally to this cause.

May 10, 2008 : 7:32 PM ET
posted by: fatjack

I take my hat off to Sen. Chip Rogers for fighting for this legislation and suceeding in getting it passed into law, but I hope he is not content with this one win and will also jump on board all the other animal issues not only in Georgia but nationally.

May 10, 2008 : 1:05 PM ET
posted by: trendaivey

Comment for the Amazon poster.......it is a fact. They do have materials containing dog and cock fighting. I personally have contacted them (along with countless others) and they don't seem to care. They advised me (personally) that they have a right to let their sellers sale whatever they choose. All they care about is the profit. Contact them yourself, you'll see. That is why I REFUSE TO BUY ANYTHING FROM AMAZON, until/unless they get rid of those 2 items!

May 10, 2008 : 1:02 PM ET
posted by: trendaivey

I am sooo happy to hear of this. I am a GA resident and animal advocate. It's about time us peaches get rid of this sicko's!! Thank God Georgians don't have to be ashamed of our laws anymore! You go Chris Rogess and Gov Perdue!! To bad it took soo long for this to go into action!

May 10, 2008 : 11:42 AM ET
posted by: lindalarnerd

Way to go Georgia...about time, and that it took Best Friends to get you going, well...at least SOMEBODY cared enough to wake you up.

May 10, 2008 : 8:26 AM ET
posted by: kimberly602

Hats off to Georgia and Senator Chip Rogers. I can only hope Michigan will get on board. Genesee County has a huge problem with dog fighting and it just seems to get swept under the rug. Once again great job Best Friends. You are amazing!!

May 10, 2008 : 1:19 AM ET
posted by: nonomaggiebaddog

Yes, the news is good-BUT unless Georgia hires enough people to investigate, arrest and do ALL OF THE NEEDED FOLLOW UP-this could be a victory on paper only. People, please remember that although this is a great step-IT IS ONLY THE 1ST STEP, and a lot more (steps) are needed. I wish Georgia all the luck in the world!!

May 9, 2008 : 10:27 PM ET
posted by: electronicottage

Please be more specific about the accusation against Amazon.com. Exactly what "dog fighting equipment" is Amazon selling? Is it Amazon or a seller who lists on Amazon? Is the "equipment" solely for fighting, or is it ordinary equipment for dogs trained for obedience or agility or other legitimate purposes?

If this accusation is true, there should be an approach to Amazon to end the listings. If it is unfounded, it is inflammatory.

May 9, 2008 : 7:23 PM ET
posted by: janddkoch

Thank you, Best Friends, it made me cry I'm so happy. I did not know that about Amazon.com. I won't use them again until they stop selling dog fighting equipment.

May 9, 2008 : 7:22 PM ET
posted by: Jill Farquhar

Thank you, thank you, thank you from me and all the wonderful dogs that have been saved!!

May 9, 2008 : 7:02 PM ET
posted by: tulipwalk23

This is Wonderful news! I am so happy & proud for Best Friends!

May 9, 2008 : 6:49 PM ET
posted by: karmanitra

Thank you Best Friends and state of Georgia!! Now that it is a felony to advertise and or promote dog fighting in Georgia maybe Amazon.com will see the light and stop selling dog fighting paraphernalia. I can hope that other states will follow suit and the Amazon will do the right thing too!

It's a good day!

May 9, 2008 : 6:49 PM ET
posted by: windynj

Yeah, Best Friends!!!

May 7, 2008 : 1:16 PM ET
posted by: janelmw

Governor Perdue can be contacted at the following URL http://gov.georgia.gov/00/gov/contact_us/0,2657,78006749_94820188,00.html

State Senator Chip Rogers can be contacted at chip.rogers@senate.ga.gov

As a native and life long resident of the beautiful state of Georgia, I want to send a BIG THANK YOU to Best Friends for helping with this legislation.

May 7, 2008 : 10:46 AM ET
posted by: D2or3

Best Friends, way to go.

QUESTIONS: 1) Can you infiltrate state by state and ask each governor in those states with weak laws to adopt this model law? 2) Can you provide a link to thank Gov. Perdue and Sen. Rogers?

I'm in NY, but I'd like to thank them for passing this groundbreaking legislation for the state.

Don't you know that more and more counties in GA, believe it or not, are also passing anti-chaining ordinances, too?

May 7, 2008 : 10:35 AM ET
posted by: dianaj

AMEN!!!

Finally! we are moving that much closer to making sure dog fighting ends.

Congrats to all!

May 7, 2008 : 8:36 AM ET
posted by: cambridgeratmom

Finally, elevating this behavior to the felony level improves the chances that slaps on the wrist won't be the punishment.

May 7, 2008 : 12:55 AM ET
posted by: SUNNEE

Great News! Thank you everybody who made this possible.