HB 4857

Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes & Co-Sponsor Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia back Illinois House Legislation (H.B. 4857) to increase penalties for being a knowing spectator at an animal fight and for manufacturing or possessing implements for animal fighting.

The Humane Society of the US issued an action alert to support the legislation:

While Illinois makes animal fighting and possession of animals for fighting felony offenses, being a spectator at an animal fight is only a misdemeanor. This loophole makes it difficult for law enforcement to crack down on illegal animal fighting. H.B. 4857 will close this loophole by making it a Class A misdemeanor with mandatory community service and a felony on the second offense to knowingly attend an animal fight and manufacture and possess implements for animal fighting.