Pit bulls picked up by animal control sometimes look like they've been fighting, but its usually unknown if their injuries came from stray dog duals or gambling sport.

Some Idaho legislators want the state to take a big, hard bite out of dog-fighting, and they are crossing their fingers that the 2008 legislative session will transform the misdemeanor act into a felony crime. Dog fighting is considered a felony in all states except Idaho and Wyo-ming, according to information from the Humane Society of the United States.

State Rep. Donna Pence, D-Gooding, is a staunch proponent of legislative change on the issue.

"I think it's the cruelty aspect of it," she said. "If people mistreat animals they're more likely to mistreat people."

With an assortment of dog-fighting cases publicized this year, this could be the session for change, Pence said.

"I think this is probably the best opportunity we've had in a long time," Pence said. "There seems to be some willingness of the majority party to look into this." Pence will co-sponsor a bill to increase the penalties for dog-fighting. She has also watched other similar bills die in past sessions.

"I think last year, they said, 'Well it's not happening in Idaho,' and we couldn't document anything specific," she said.

This year is different.

National interest on the issue emerged after NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded guilty to charges connected with the investigation of a dog-fighting operation in Virginia. And in Idaho, 30 pit bulls were set to be seized from a kennel in Malad that was suspected of dog fighting. But the canines went missing Aug. 29 before they could be rescued. The Humane Society of the United States is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case.

This publicity is at the very least strengthening the plight for increased penalties in Idaho, Pence said.

If dog-fighting were chargeable as a felony offense then more money for court costs would be available for dog fighting investigations, Pence said.

At the Humane Society in Twin Falls Friday, Kathleen Olmstead, a shelter supervisor, said there were around six pit bulls, or pit-bull mixes at the facility.

Olmstead said most pit bulls are brought in by animal control officers.

Pit-bulls have been associated with dog fighting and with varying temperaments, and they have a reputation for aggressiveness. Adopting them out can be a challenge because their history is often unknown.

There are often clues that the dogs are fighting. Some pit bulls come in with cropped ears and scars, for example.

"You can't tell what it's been fighting, but you know it's been fighting," Olmstead said. "They are a good dog, but in the wrong hands they get the bad rap they have."

Dave Pauli, who is regional director of the Humane Society of the United States, wants dog fighting laws in Wyoming and Idaho to change.

"We should have a unified nation saying these crimes can be felonies," Pauli said.

But with more lax charging options, Pauli said Idaho and Wyoming are left as safer havens for dog-fighting.

"It's a detriment," Pauli said. "Both are states where people may choose to do the activity because of the misdemeanor status."

Andrea Gates can be reached at 735-3380, or Andrea.Gates@lee.net