Michael Vick is in prison after pleading guilty to dogfighting charges at the federal level. Today, a judge assigned him a court date of April 2nd to face similar state charges.
The case has gathered immense publicity since it broke in late April 2007. Vick, after all, had been a premier NFL quarterback (perhaps the premier NFL quarterback), selected to multiple Pro-Bowls and signer of the largest contract in NFL history.
A dogfighting ring that he and several associates had run based at Vick’s house in Virginia was big news, to say the least. Within months, he was suspended without pay by the NFL, released by his endorsers, and ordered to pay back $19.9 million dollars in contract bonuses.
Vick pled guilty to federal charges, and is expected to be sentenced December 10th, but now prosecutors are also bringing state charges. Vick’s attorneys hope to avoid further damages, invoking the principle of double jeopardy, but the issue is far from settled.
State |
Insurance requirement |
Categorizes fighting dogs as vicious |
| Florida |
none |
yes |
| Georgia |
$15000 requirement |
yes |
| Michigan |
sufficient |
no |
| Minnesota |
$50,000 requirement |
no |
| Nevada |
determined by county |
no |
| New Hampshire |
$100,000 requirement |
no |
| New Jersey |
determined by municipal court |
yes |
| New York |
determined by the court, no more than $100,000 |
no |
| North Carolina |
none |
yes |
| Ohio |
determined by the court |
no |
| Oklahoma |
$50,000 requirement |
no |
| Pennsylvania |
$50,000 requirement |
no |
| Rhode Island |
$100,000 requirement |
no |
| South Carolina |
$50,000 requirement |
no |
| Texas |
$100,000 requirement |
no |
| Virginia |
$100,000 requirement |
no |
| all others |
none |
no |
Insure.com has explored the potential problems with owning a so-called “vicious breed” of dog—precisely the breeds preferred by dogfighting rings. Some insurers will rate up homeowner’s policies for owners of certain breeds.
There is more relevant, however, that the average consumer might not realize. An issue you may not have considered is the difference between states. Certain states simply regulate the dogfighting itself. Other states also define dogs from dogfighting rings as “dangerous animals,” and specify their treatment and regulation.
Some states also require a liability insurance policy with minimum funds to pay out in case of a dangerous pet’s attacking another person. These must be considered in context with the insurance companies who may rate up for certain “dangerous breeds.” In some states, it is legally required to purchase at least $100,000 in coverage for a dog that has been ruled “dangerous” or “vicious.”
The table above contains further information.
The states are also different in their regulation of dogfighting. There has been some hubbub, for example, over the fact that Virginia, where Vick may be tried, has the 37th toughest dogfighting laws in the country.
The Humane Society of the United States categorized the states according to the felony/misdemeanor status of three activities: Dogfighting, watching a dogfight, and owning a dog for fighting.
Wyoming and Idaho do not recognize dogfighting as a felony, whereas in 17 states, it is a felony to so much as watch a dogfight. So be aware of the rules in your neck of the woods, since more dangerous, trained fighting dogs can be found in some areas than others.
Also, don’t run a vicious dog-fighting ring out of your mansion, especially if you have tens of millions of dollars to lose by it.
State |
Dogfighting |
Spectator at a Dogfight |
Possession of Dogs for Fighting |
Rank |
|
| First Tier: Three Felony Provisions |
|
| NJ |
Crime of the 3rd degree |
Crime of the 3rd degree |
Crime of the 3rd degree |
1 |
| 3-5 years |
3-5 years |
3-5 years |
| Max $15,000 |
Max $15,000 |
Max $15,000 |
|
| AL |
Class C Felony |
Class C Felony |
Class C Felony |
2 |
| 1-10 years |
1-10 years |
1-10 years |
| Max of $5,000 |
Max of $5,000 |
Max of $5,000 |
|
| CO |
Class 5 Felony |
Class 5 Felony |
Class 5 Felony |
3 |
| 1-3 years |
1-3 years |
1-3 years |
| $1,000 - $100,000 |
$1,000 - $100,000 |
$1,000 - $100,000 |
|
| MS |
Felony |
Felony |
Felony |
4 |
| 1-3 years |
Max 1 year |
1-3 years |
| $1,000 - $5,000 |
$500 - $5,000 |
$1,000 - $5,000 |
|
| AZ |
Class 5 Felony |
Class 6 Felony |
Class 5 Felony |
5 |
| 9 mo. – 2 years |
6 mo – 1 ½ years |
9 mo. – 2 years |
| Max $150,000 |
Max $150,000 |
Max $150,000 |
|
| OH |
4th Degree Felony |
4th Degree Felony |
4th Degree Felony |
6 |
| 6 – 18 months |
6 – 18 months |
6 – 18 months |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
$5,000 |
|
| NC |
Class H Felony |
Class H Felony |
Class H Felony |
7 |
| 4-8mo. – 5-10 mo |
4-8mo. – 5-10 mo |
4-8mo. – 5-10 mo |
|
| PA |
3rd Degree Felony |
3rd Degree Felony |
3rd Degree Felony |
8 |
| Max 7 years |
Max 7 years |
Max 7 years |
| Max $15,000 |
Max $15,000 |
Max $15,000 |
|
| NH |
Class B Felony |
Class B Felony |
Class B Felony |
9 |
| Max 7 years |
Max 7 years |
Max 7 years |
| Max $4,000 |
Max $4,000 |
Max $4,000 |
|
| NE |
Class IV felony |
Class IV felony |
Class IV felony |
10 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| WA |
Class C Felony |
Class C Felony |
Class C Felony |
11 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| CT |
Felony |
Felony |
Felony |
12 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| FL |
3rd degree Felony |
3rd degree Felony |
3rd degree Felony |
12 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| VT |
Felony |
Felony |
Felony |
12 |
| Max 5 year |
Max 5 year |
Max 5 year |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| MI |
Felony |
Felony |
Felony |
15 |
| Max 4 years |
Max 4 years |
Max 4 years |
| $5,000 - $50,000 |
$1,000 - $5,000 |
$5,000 - $50,000 |
| 500 – 100 hours community service |
250 – 500 hours community service |
500 – 100 hours community service |
|
| RI |
Felony |
Felony |
Felony |
16 |
| Max 2 years |
Max 2 years |
Max 2 years |
| Max $1,000 |
Max $1,500 |
Max $1,000 |
|
| NM |
4th Degree Felony |
4th Degree Felony |
4th Degree Felony |
17 |
| 18 months |
18 months |
18 months |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| Second Tier: Two Felony Provisions |
|
| IL |
Class 4 Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class 4 Felony |
18 |
| 1-3 years |
Max 1 year |
1-3 years |
| Max $25,000 |
Max $2,500 |
Max $25,000 |
|
| MN |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
19 |
| Min 1 year 1 day |
Max 90 days |
Min 1 year 1 day |
|
Max $1,000 |
|
|
| OK |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
20 |
| 1-10 years |
Max 1 year |
1-10 years |
| $2,000 - $25,000 |
Max $500 |
$2,000 - $25,000 |
|
| LA |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
21 |
| 1-10 years |
Max 6 months |
1-10 years |
| $1,000 - $25,000 |
Max $500 |
$1,000 - $25,000 |
|
| TN |
Class E Felony |
Class C Misdemeanor |
Class E Felony |
22 |
| 1-6 years |
Max of 30 days |
1-6 years |
| Max $3,000 |
Max $50 |
Max $3,000 |
|
| KS |
Level 10 nonperson felony |
Class B nonperson misdemeanor |
Level 10 nonperson felony |
23 |
| 1-5 years |
Max 6 mo |
1-5 years |
| Max $100,000 |
Max $ 1,000 |
Max $100,000 |
|
| KY |
Class D Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class D Felony |
24 |
| 1 – 5 years |
Max 12 months |
1 – 5 years |
| $1,000 - $10,000 |
Max $500 |
$1,000 - $10,000 |
|
| IN |
Class D Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class D Felony |
25 |
| 6 mo – 3 years |
Max 1 year |
6 mo – 3 years |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $5,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| MO |
Class D Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class D Felony |
26 |
| Max 10 years |
Min 6 months |
Max 10 years |
|
| AR |
Class D Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class D Felony |
27 |
| Max 6 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 6 years |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| OR |
Class C Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class C Felony |
28 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 5 years |
| Max $125,000 |
Max $6,250 |
Max $125,000 |
|
| AK |
Class C Felony |
Violation |
Class C Felony |
29 |
| Max 5 years |
No jail time |
Max 5 years |
| Max $50,000 |
Max $500 |
Max $50,000 |
|
| DC |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
30 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 180 days |
Max 5 years |
| Max $25,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $25,000 |
|
| UT |
3rd Degree Felony |
Class B misdemeanor |
3rd Degree Felony |
31 |
| Max 5 years |
6 months |
Max 5 years |
| Max $25,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $25,000 |
|
| IA |
Class D Felony |
Aggravated misdemeanor |
Class D Felony |
32 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 2 years |
Max 5 years |
| $750 - $7,500 |
$500 - $5,000 |
$750 - $7,500 |
|
| ND |
Class C Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class C Felony |
33 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 5 years |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $2,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| SC |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
34 |
| Must be 5 years or $5000 or both |
Must be 6 mo or $500 or both |
Must be 5 years or $5000 or both |
|
| MA |
Felony equivalent |
Misdemeanor equivalent |
Felony equivalent |
35 |
| Max 5 years (state prison) or |
Max 1 month |
Max 5 years (state prison) or |
| Max 1 year (house of correction) |
Max $250 |
Max 1 year (house of correction) |
| Max $1,000 |
|
Max $1,000 |
|
| ME |
Class C crime |
Class D crime |
Class C crime |
36 |
| Court must impose a fine of $500 max, in addition to: |
Max 1 year |
Court must impose a fine of $500 max: in addition to: |
| Max 5 years |
Max $2,000 |
Max 5 years |
| Max $5,000 |
|
Max $5,000 |
|
| VA |
Class 6 felony |
Class 1 misdemeanor |
Class 6 felony |
37 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 12 months |
Max 5 years |
| Max $2,500 |
Max $2,500 |
Max $2,500 |
|
| WI |
Class I Felony |
Class A misdemeanor |
Class I Felony |
38 |
| Max 3 years, 6 months |
Max 9 months |
Max 3 years, 6 months |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| CA |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
39 |
| 16 mo or 2 or 3 years |
Max 6 mo |
16 mo or 2 or 3 years |
| Max $50,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $50,000 |
|
| MD |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Felony |
40 |
| Max 3 years |
Max 90 days |
Max 3 years |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| DE |
Class F Felony |
Class A Misdemeanor |
Class F Felony |
41 |
| Max 3 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 3 years |
| Discretionary fine |
Max $2,300 |
Discretionary fine |
|
| SD |
Class 6 Felony |
Class 1 Misdemeanor |
Class 6 Felony |
42 |
| Max 2 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 2 years |
| Max $4,000 |
Max $2,000 |
Max $4,000 |
|
| Third Tier: One Felony Provision |
|
| WV |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Misdemeanor |
43 |
| 1-5 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 6 months |
| $1,000-$5,000 |
$100-$1,000 |
$300-$2,000 |
|
| NY |
Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Misdemeanor |
44 |
| Max 4 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 1 year |
| Max $25,000 |
Max $1,000 |
Max $15,000 |
|
| TX |
State jail felony |
Class A misdemeanor |
Class A misdemeanor |
45 |
| 180 days – 2 years |
Max 1 year |
Max 1 year |
|
Max $4,000 |
Max $4,000 |
|
| Fourth Tier: Allows Possession or Spectators |
|
| MT |
Felony |
Legal |
Felony |
46 |
| 1-5 years |
1-5 years |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| HI |
Class C Felony |
Legal |
Class C Felony |
47 |
| Max 5 years |
Max 5 years |
| Max $10,000 |
Max $10,000 |
|
| NV |
Category D Felony |
Misdemeanor |
Legal |
48 |
| 1-4 years |
Max 6 months |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $1,000 |
|
| Fifth Tier: Allows Possession and Spectators |
|
| GA |
Felony |
Legal |
Legal |
49 |
| 1-5 years |
| Max $ 5,000 |
|
| Sixth Tier: Misdemeanor Only |
|
| WY |
High Misdemeanor |
Misdemeanor |
High Misdemeanor |
50 |
| Max 1 year |
Max 6 months |
Max 1 year |
| Max $5,000 |
Max $750 |
Max $5,000 |
|
| ID |
Misdemeanor |
Legal |
Legal |
|
| Max 6 months |
|
| $100 - $5,000 |
|
| Courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States |
|
|
British Citizens:
Canadian Citizens:
