English and Welsh Police Law Explained
Jun 30, 2026 · 13 min · 8 segments
In this weeks episode we look at animal fighting offences under Section 8 of the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. The legislation can be found at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/45/section/8
Section 8, Fighting, etc.
Rather than creating one broad offence, the legislation deliberately lists the different types of behaviour that support or encourage animal fighting.
The first and most obvious offence, under Part 1a, is causing an animal to fight or take part or attempting to do so.
This means the offence is not limited to situations where a fight actually takes place.
A person who arranges, plans or sets up an animal fight can still commit the offence, even if the event is prevented or abandoned before it begins.
The focus is on the individual's conduct in causing or attempting to cause the fight to happen, reflecting the legislation's intention to criminalise the organisation of animal fighting at the earliest possible stage.
The Act then moves beyond organisers and targets those who help make the event possible.
It's also an offence to knowingly receive money for admission to an animal fight, to publicise the proposed fight, or to provide information to someone with the intention of enabling or encouraging them to attend.
This is covered under Parts 1, B and C of the legislation.
Furthermore, it criminalises gambling connected with an animal fight.
Making or attempting a bet on the outcome of a fight, or anything likely to happen during the fight, is itself an offence.
Of course, actually taking part in an animal fight is also prohibited.
This covers those directly involved in the event, whether handling the animals or otherwise participating in the fight itself.
Section 8, Fighting, etc.
Rather than creating one broad offence, the legislation deliberately lists the different types of behaviour that support or encourage animal fighting.
The first and most obvious offence, under Part 1a, is causing an animal to fight or take part or attempting to do so.
This means the offence is not limited to situations where a fight actually takes place.
A person who arranges, plans or sets up an animal fight can still commit the offence, even if the event is prevented or abandoned before it begins.
The focus is on the individual's conduct in causing or attempting to cause the fight to happen, reflecting the legislation's intention to criminalise the organisation of animal fighting at the earliest possible stage.
The Act then moves beyond organisers and targets those who help make the event possible.
It's also an offence to knowingly receive money for admission to an animal fight, to publicise the proposed fight, or to provide information to someone with the intention of enabling or encouraging them to attend.
This is covered under Parts 1, B and C of the legislation.
Furthermore, it criminalises gambling connected with an animal fight.
Making or attempting a bet on the outcome of a fight, or anything likely to happen during the fight, is itself an offence.
Of course, actually taking part in an animal fight is also prohibited.
This covers those directly involved in the event, whether handling the animals or otherwise participating in the fight itself.
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