2021 Legislative Session Update - Animal Fighting Paraphernalia

The Louisiana Legislature enacted a great number of new statutes and changes to the law during the 2021 Regular Session. For the next few weeks, we’ll be writing about some of the changes that might directly impact our clients in the future.

First up, the Legislature created Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:102.29 - “Unlawful possession, transfer, or manufacture of animal fighting paraphernalia.” This statute essentially prohibits the possession, sale, or creation of tools that could be used to engage in, promote, or facilitate animal fighting in violation of La. R.S. 14:102.1, .5, or .23 (or any other provision of law).

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, purchase, sell, transfer, or manufacture animal fighting paraphernalia with the intent to engage in, promote, or facilitate animal fighting in violation of La. R.S. 14:102.1, 102.5, or 102.23, or any other provision of law.

B. For purposes of this Section, “animal fighting paraphernalia” means equipment, products, implements, or materials of any kind that are used, intended for use, or designed for use in the training, preparation, conditioning, or furtherance of animal fighting, and includes but is not limited to the following:

(1) Breaking sticks.

(2) Cat mills.

(3) Treadmills.

(4) Fighting pits.

(5) Spring poles.

(6) Unprescribed veterinary medicine.

(7) Veterinary treatment supplies.

(8)(a) Spurs, gaffs, knives, leather training spur covers, slashers, heels, or any other sharp implement designed to be attached in place of the natural spur of a cock or game fowl."

La. R.S. 14:102.29. The penalty for violation of this statute is a fine of not more than $500 and/or imprisonment for not more than 6 months.

If you or someone you know is accused of a violation of a criminal law and you would like to schedule a consult, give us a call at (318) 459-9111.