Utah criminal charge
Dog fighting in Utah
Dog fighting is a Third Degree Felony under Utah criminal law, defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-205. As a Third Degree Felony, it is punishable within the statutory sentencing range Utah sets for that offense class. Utah sorts criminal offenses into felonies, misdemeanors, and petty offenses, each carrying its own penalty range.
Defined by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-205.
What is the penalty for dog fighting in Utah?
| Penalty | Range | Basis | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail / prison | up to 5 years (indeterminate prison term, unless the statute provides otherwise; actual release is determined by the Board of Pardons and Parole) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
| Fine | up to $5,000 (greater amounts may be specifically authorized by statute (Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301)) | discretionary | Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 |
Applies to current (2026 General Session).
Common questions about dog fighting in Utah
Is dog fighting a felony or a misdemeanor in Utah?
What are the penalties for dog fighting in Utah?
As a Third Degree Felony, dog fighting carries up to 5 years (indeterminate term with no statutory minimum; actual release is set by the Board of Pardons and Parole) of incarceration and a fine of up to $5,000 (statutory maximum under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-301) under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203 (current (2026 General Session)).
Which Utah statute covers dog fighting?
Dog fighting is governed by Utah Code Ann. § 76-13-205 (Dog fighting).
Legal terms used in this law
This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.