In the wake of a major dog fighting ring bust in a Maywood, Illinois daycare home, the state’s governor, Pat Quinn, signed a bill on July 17 that is intended to put an end to dog fighting activities. House Bill 5790, which will go into effect on January 1, 2011, imposes harsher criminal penalties for dog fighting offenses.

The new law hopes to nip the dog fighting bug in the bud by targeting those who expose children to the horrific practice. Under the this law, persons who are found guilty of bringing a child under 13 years to a dog fighting show or who hold a dog fighting show within 1,000 feet of a facility or venue that provides programs or services for children under 18, will be charged with a Class 3 felony for the first violation and a Class 2 felony for subsequent violations.

It also increases punishment for anyone found guilty of attaching a live animal to a propel-powered device with the intention that the animal will be pursued by one or more dogs. This offense will now be a Class 4 felony for a first violation and a Class 3 felony for subsequent violations. Perps of this felony may be fined up to $50,000.

Image: Library of Congress