9227714-large.jpg

In an attempt to curb animal fighting in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a new bill into law Friday that bans owning items used for the illegal and deadly practice.

(File)

In an attempt to curb animal fighting in Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a new bill into law Friday that bans owning items used for the illegal and deadly practice.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Todd Stephens, R-Montgomery, makes it illegal to possess "animal fighting paraphernalia." That includes any device, implement, object or drug used or intended to be used for animal fighting, training animals to fight or the furtherance of those illegal activities.

Stephens said in a co-sponsorship memo that law enforcement can't always arrive while an animal fight is in progress. But during the course of an investigation, he said, they may find an offender to be in possession of equipment or implements used for animal fighting.

"My bill would allow the authorities to hold these individuals accountable," Stephens said.

Anyone caught with animal fighting paraphernalia would be charged with a third degree misdemeanor.

The bill takes effect in 60 days.