32.3 ANIMAL FIGHTING OR BAITING
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.
- Instruction
- 32.3
- Statute
- § 828.122, Fla. Stat.
- Edition
- Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026
- Official source
- The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Elements
Quoted word for word from the official text. Florida Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases, complete set published by The Florida Bar, updated October 9, 2026.
To prove the crime of Animal [Fighting] [Baiting], the State must prove the following [one] [three] element(s) beyond a reasonable doubt:
Give as applicable, if (3)(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g) or (h) is charged:
(Defendant) knowingly
[ [baited] [bred] [trained] [transported] [sold] [owned] [possessed] [used] a [wild] [domestic] animal for the purpose of animal [fighting] [baiting].]
[ [owned] [possessed] [sold] equipment for use in the [baiting] [breeding] [training] [transporting] [selling] [owning] [possessing] [using] of a [wild] [domestic] animal for the purpose of animal [fighting] [baiting].]
[ [owned] [leased] [managed] [operated] [had control of] property used for the [baiting] [breeding] [training] [transporting] [selling] [owning] [possessing] [using] of a [wild] [domestic] animal for the purpose of animal [fighting] [baiting].]
[ [promoted] [staged] [advertised] [charged an admission fee to] a [fight] [baiting] between two or more animals.]
[performed [a service] [an act] to facilitate animal [fighting] [baiting], including, but not limited to, [providing security] [refereeing] [handling or transporting animals] [being a stakeholder of any money wagered on animal fighting or baiting].]
[bet or wagered [money] [valuable consideration] on the [fighting] [baiting] of animals.]
[attended the [fighting] [baiting] of animals.]
Give only if (3)(f) is charged:
An animal was impounded under the “Animal Fighting Act.”
(Defendant) knowingly [removed] [facilitated the removal of] the animal from [an agency where the animal was impounded] [a location designated by the court].
1. [He][She] did so without prior authorization of the court.
2. Possession of an animal alone does not constitute a violation.
Lesser-included offenses
As the instruction lists them, word for word.
No lesser included offenses have been identified for this offense.
Related practice page
Cockfighting and Animal Fighting Defense in Miami · Defense for Owners and Operators of Property Used for Animal Fighting
Official source: The Florida Bar: criminal jury instructions
Official jury instruction text reproduced for information. It is not legal advice; the instruction given in a case depends on the facts and the court.