RICHMOND – The Virginia Senate voted unanimously this afternoon to approve legislation to stiffen penalties for animal fighting.

House Bill 656 would make fighting animals other than dogs a Class 1 misdemeanor, while making each of the following a Class 6 felony: possession of materials to enhance an animal’s fighting ability, attending an exhibition of animal fighting or permitting a minor to become involved in animal fighting.

Dog fighting is already a felony.

The legislation, sponsored by House Majority Leader Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, was largely inspired by the case of Michael Vick, the former Virginia Tech and NFL quarterback who pleaded guilty and is serving 23 months in federal prison for his role in a Surry County dog fighting ring.

It stiffens dog fighting laws but also toughens penalties for those who engage in the fighting of other animals, including game fowl. The bill does include exceptions for hunting and farming situations.

The bill was approved on a 40-0 vote. It now goes to Gov. Tim Kaine for his signature.