The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation expanding the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act of 1989 to include animal fighting. House Bill 540, sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingston/Bristol, makes it a crime to engage in, plan, encourage or assist others in animal fighting as part of RICO. “Animal fighting is […]
The Tennessee General Assembly has passed legislation expanding the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act of 1989 to include animal fighting.
House Bill 540, sponsored by State Rep. John Crawford, R-Kingston/Bristol, makes it a crime to engage in, plan, encourage or assist others in animal fighting as part of RICO.
“Animal fighting is a serious crime that harms innocent animals,” said Crawford. “This bill will help protect animals in Tennessee and make it more difficult for criminals to run these illegal operations.”
The bill gives law enforcement tools to target illegal animal fighting rings and hold offenders accountable.
The Humane Society of the United States reports more than 40,000 people participate in organized dogfighting nationwide. Ten states, including Florida, Georgia and Texas already include animal fighting within their RICO laws.
House Bill 540 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.