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Jim has discussed numerous times on the show how NJ needs stronger penalties for those who abuse animals. This bill may be a step in the right direction. As it stands now, dogfighting is not a crime in NJ.

The bill is two-fold. The bill would punish not only those who run dogfighting rings, but part of the bill would punish anyone caught participating in or betting on a dogfight. Even someone who just witnesses a dogfight can be charged as well.

Dog-fighting would be a third-degree crime carrying a prison sentence of 3-to-5 years and a $15,000 fine. A person who trains a dog for a fight, participates in a dogfight, gambles or witnesses the fight, would be charged under that offense.

The bill would also punish those found guilty of a running a dogfighting network as a 2nd-degree crime and would be punishable with a prison term of 5 to 10 years and a fine of $150,000.

What do you think of the dogfighting bill? Do you think it is enough to finally deter this horrible treatment of dogs?

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