What Are the Penalties for Animal Fighting in Colorado?

We've all seen countless depictions of shady characters orchestrating a dogfight or a cockfight, but these inhumane and despicable examples of blatant animal abuse aren't always works of fiction for TV or movies.

Sure, any Seinfeld fan will likely giggle at the mention of Kramer's rooster he named, "Little Jerry," but cockfights and dogfights happen in real life and are far less whimsical than the sitcom's memorable storyline.

While undoubtedly immoral and cruel, orchestrating and/or participating in these kinds of fights is also highly illegal in Colorado and carries serious penalties if caught.

What Are the Penalties for Animal Fighting in Colorado?

The Colorado law that addresses these types of "blood sports," section 18-9-204 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, states that it is a felony to "cause, sponsor, arrange, hold, or encourage a fight between animals for the purpose of monetary gain or entertainment."

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This not only includes participating in an animal fight in any way but the law is also violated if an individual is found to be training an animal for this type of purpose.

In Colorado, first-time offenders convicted of animal fighting receive a class 5 felony which includes a fine between $1,000 and $100,000 and/or a one to three-year prison sentence with two years of mandatory parole.

For multiple offenders, a subsequent conviction will result in a fine between $5,000 and $500,000 and a potential six-year prison sentence.

Check out a more detailed explanation of Colorado's animal fighting laws here.