2Offences relating to animal fights
1
In section 47 of the [1839 c. 47.] Metropolitan Police Act 1839, section 31 of the [1839 c. xciv.] City of London Police Act 1839 and section 36 of the [1847 c. 89.] Town 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 [1911 c. 27.] Protection 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 [1912 c. 14.] Protection 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.