MI House discusses anti-animal fighting

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan House is considering bills that would strengthen penalties for organized animal fighting.

The House on Tuesday is expected to vote on a legislation that would declare properties involved in animal fighting to be a nuisance. It would allow authorities to padlock the property and pave the way for the seizure and sale of its contents.

The goal is to stem the rise of animal fighting rings and dog fighting, particularly in the Detroit area.

One House bill is the same as a Senate bill unanimously passed in September as part of a three-bill package.

Republican Sen. Rick Jones sponsored the Senate legislation. He says he expects the House will pass it and Gov. Rick Snyder will sign the package.