NYS Senator Eric Adams announced that he will introduce a Bill to hold the owners and trainers of “fighting dogs” criminally responsible for any physical injury or death caused by their dangerous canine breeds.

Senator Adams’ statement:  “The mauling death of a four-year-old child is a wake-up call that New York State must strengthen its dog fighting regulations.  Although current law makes it illegal to possess or train ‘fighting dogs,’ it does not hold an owner or trainer directly responsible for injuries sustained in an attack by these dangerous animals.

“I will introduce legislation to close this loophole and establish a new first degree assault provision for any serious physical injury to or death of a victim resulting from an incident involving a ‘fighting dog.’

“My Bill will send a clear, strong message that our State has a zero tolerance policy for ownership and training of the very dangerous ‘fighting dog’ breeds.”

Assault in the first degree is a Class B Felony, punishable to up to 25 years in prison.

Current statue states:

S 120.10- Assault in the first degree.

   3. Under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, he recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to another person, and thereby causes serious physical injury to another person;