BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

                                                                                                                                             H.B. 916

                                                                                                                                     By: Menendez

                                                                                                                       Criminal Jurisprudence

                                                                                                       Committee Report (Unamended)

 

 

 

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

 

Dog fighting has been illegal in this state for many years.  However, despite the criminalization of these acts, illegal dog fights are occurring more and more often.  The treatment of the animals at these events and the training methods leading up to these fights can be cruel and violent and outside the norm of humane conduct expected by the law abiding citizens of Texas.

 

In order to combat this increasing problem, H.B. 916 changes the penalties for dog fighting and related activities.

 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

 

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution. 

 

ANALYSIS

 

House Bill 916 amends the Penal Code by removing the provision stating that a person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly causes a dog to fight with another dog for pecuniary benefit and makes conforming changes.  This change makes the penalty for dog fighting a state jail felony regardless if the fight was for pecuniary benefit.  The penalty for being a spectator at a dog fight is increased to a Class A misdemeanor.

 

Makes application of this Act prospective.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

 

September 1, 2007.