THLN was instrumental in getting dog fighting outlawed in the state as well as later strengthening the statute to increase penalties for various offenses.

• The Dog Fighting Act, passed in 1983, outlaws dog fighting, promoting a dog fight, training dogs to fight, and attending a dog fight.

• The Dog Fighting Penalty Enhancement Bill increased the punishment for dog fighting from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony, and increased the punishment for attending a dog fighting exhibition from a Class C misdemeanor to a Class A misdemeanor (HB 916, 2007).

• The Dog Fighting Classified as Organized Crime Bill was passed in 2009 (SB 554).  It allows dog fighting to be classified as organized crime and additionally allows for the forfeiture of all property including cash, vehicles, etc. associated with dog fighting.