2Offences relating to animal fights

(1)

In section 47 of the M1Metropolitan Police Act 1839, section 31 of the M2City of London Police Act 1839 and section 36 of the M3Town Police Clauses Act 1847 (penalties for offences relating to animal fights) for the references to level 1 on the standard scale there shall be substituted references to level 4 on that scale.

(2)

After section 5 of the M4Protection of Animals Act 1911 there shall be inserted—

“5AAttendance at animal fights

A person who, without reasonable excuse, is present when animals are placed together for the purpose of their fighting each other shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

5BAdvertising of animal fights

If a person who publishes or causes to be published an advertisement for a fight between animals knows that it is such an advertisement he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.”

(3)

After section 1 of the M5Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 there shall be inserted—

“1AOffence of being present at animal fights

(1)

A person who is present when animals are placed together for the purpose of their fighting each other shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2)

It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) above to prove that he had a reasonable excuse for being so present.

1BOffence of advertising animal fights

If a person who publishes or causes to be published an advertisement for a fight between animals knows that it is such an advertisement he shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a penalty not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.”

(4)

Subsection (1) above does not affect the punishment for an offence committed before the coming into force of this Act.