HONOLULU (AP) - A new Hawaii animal cruelty law makes it a crime to attend a dogfight or to wager on one.
The Hawaiian Humane Society says while dogfighting is already a felony, the bill signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Tuesday closes a loophole for spectators.
The Humane Society says there are three open investigations of potential dogfighting in Honolulu, Waianae and the North Shore of Oahu.
A $5,000 reward is offered for tips leading to an arrest and conviction for dogfighting.
Cruelty to animals by fighting dogs in the second degree is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.
