578.026. Spectating dog fighting — penalty
Watching a dogfight is illegal—even if you don’t participate
If someone is present at a dogfight or where a dogfight is being set up, and they’re there on purpose to watch, they can be charged with a crime—even if they aren’t directly involved.
1. A person commits the offense of spectating dogfighting if they:
- Knowingly go to a place where a dogfight is being planned or held, and
- Intend to watch the fight or the preparations for it.
2. Spectating dogfighting is a class A misdemeanor.
3. This law does not apply to legal activities like:
- (1) Using dogs to manage livestock;
- (2) Hunting with dogs; or
- (3) Training dogs or using training equipment for legal purposes.
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