A new law will raise the penalty for spectators at animal fights, making it so offenders could now face more prison time.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the law, which raises the crime from a violation to a misdemeanor, and it will go into effect in 30 days.
Right now, judges can sentenced spectators up to 15 days in jail and issue fines up to $250. Under the new law offenders can face up to three months in jail and $500 fines.
The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hopes that the law will help crack down on dog fights and cockfights, two practices that have markets that are driven by spectators.
There is no shortage of animal fighting rings on Long Island, the most recent being a dog fighting ring in Elmont where two men were arrested for training and breeding pit bulls to fight. One of the men, Marlon Bernier, 25, was arrested last month for the second time in two years on dog fighting charges.
In February, a Central Islip cockfighting operation led to 33 arrests. In May, 2010 a North Bellport cockfighting ring was busted by the Suffolk SPCA and led to five arrests.
In April, two men were arrested for dog fighting in Long Beach
Hosting animal fights and training animals to fight are already felonies in New York.
-With Associated Press