SPONSOR:	Rep. Lynn & Sen. Peterson & Sen. Bonini
	Reps. Baumbach, Bentz, Briggs King, Carson, Keeley, Kowalko, Paradee, Potter, Ramone, M. Smith, K. Williams; Sens. Ennis, Hocker, Richardson

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

148th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 220

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 11 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO ANIMAL FIGHTING AND BAITING.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend § 1502, Title 11 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows and by redesignating accordingly:

§ 1502. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(9) "Racketeering" shall mean to engage in, to attempt to engage in, to conspire to engage in or to solicit, coerce or intimidate another person to engage in:

b. Any activity constituting any felony which is chargeable under the Delaware Code or any activity constituting a misdemeanor under the following provisions of the Delaware Code:

8. Chapter 5 of Title 11 relating to animal fighting and baiting;

SYNOPSIS

This Act enables the prosecution of animal fighting under Delaware’s Racketeering and Organized Crime statute. Animal fighting is often linked to other forms of criminal activity, such as illegal drug distribution, gun running, prostitution, and other violent crimes. Including animal fighting in the definition of “racketeering” strengthens the ability of Delaware’s Department of Justice to prosecute those who abuse animals.