New law makes it illegal to watch an animal fight

Syracuse, New York (WSYR-TV) - If you pit two animals against each other in a fight to the death, you are subject to criminal charges. That has long been the case. But now, those who watch the fights are also punishable under a new law. Anyone caught watching animals fight each other could face a $500 fine. Many will argue the lives of these dogs are worth much more, but that's what you'll pay if you watch them fight. “It may sound insignificant to a lot of people, but when it's difficult to prosecute these crimes and these activities continue to happen I think it's extremely important to make it easier for the prosecution to protect these animals,” says State Sen. John DeFrancisco, the chief sponsor of the legislation. Animals in central New York certainly need protection. In 2007, about two dozen of them were brought into... [read full story]