TRENTON — The state Assembly today passed a bill that would allow prosecutors to treat the leaders of dogfighting rings like mobsters, as well as legislation to toughen the penalties for abusing animals.

The first bill (A2379), which passed 78-0, would make dogfighting a third-degree crime and allow for those who organize the events be to prosecuted under the state's organized crime statute, known as RICO. The measure had not been introduced in the Senate.

“Dog fighting is deplorable and should be prosecuted as a criminal act,” Assemblyman Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen), the primary sponsor, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, New Jersey has seen far too many cases of this kind of criminal treatment toward animals in our communities. It’s time to strengthen state law by imposing stronger penalties for dog fighting and its ring leaders.”

The Assembly also passed a bill known as Patrick's Law, by a vote of 75-1, sending the measure to Gov. Chris Christie's desk. The legislation (S1303) — inspired by the heart-wrenching story of Patrick, a starved pit bull left for dead in Newark — would increase the criminal and civil penalties for animal cruelty.

Under the dog fighting bill, those involved in the practice could be sent to prison for three to five years and face fines up to $15,000. Leaders of dogfigthing networks could be sent to prison for five to ten years and face fines up to $150,000.

During a Judiciary Committee hearing in March, witnesses testified that those who participate in the sport often are gang members, and that busts of dogfighting rings often yield illegal weapons and drugs.

“All too often, there are accounts of animal cruelty, including the discovery of dog fighting rings that seek to profit from this heinous act,” Assemblywoman Nancy Muñoz (R-Union), also a primary sponsor, said in a statement. “Investigations by law enforcement show there is often a connection between those who coordinate and oversee this inhumane act and organized crime.”

Also today, the Assembly unanimously passed a bill (A3902) that would set standards for the care of dogs at pet shops. It had not been introduced in the Senate.

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