SALEM (AP) - Oregon lawmakers are considering two bills that would tighten state restrictions on dangerous dogs, and make it easier to prosecute those accused of dogfighting.

The bills, sponsored by Sen. Ryan Deckert, D-Beaverton, come after several highly publicized cases of pit bull attacks, and after former Portland Trail Blazer Qyntel Woods was linked to illegal dogfighting.

One of Deckert's bills would impose a uniform, statewide system of penalties against owners of dangerous dogs that bite people, pre-empting local laws that carry lesser penalties.

Currently, state law imposes a $500 fine for a first offense involving a dangerous dog; subsequent offenses carry a maximum penalty of 30 days in jail, up to a $1,250 fine or both.

Under Deckert's bill, a first offense by the owner of a dangerous dog could be punished by 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,250 or both. Subsequent offenses could result in a year's imprisonment, up to a $6,250 fine or both.

Another section of the legislation would require breeders of pit bulls, or pit bull mix dogs, to register with county animal control agencies. Failure to register would result in a fine of up to $50.

Kelly Peterson, a government affairs official with the Humane Society of the United States, said her organization opposes such "breed-specific" regulations.

"Registering a specific breed won't accomplish the task," she said. "Breed alone is not necessarily an indication of propensity to bite. That is a product of many factors. Dangerous dogs can come in all breeds."

Bob Stadel, manager of animal services in Washington County, also said he had some concerns about the proposal.

"It's not so clear cut to us that pit bulls are more dangerous than other breeds," he said.

Stadel said he also would like to maintain local flexibility in imposing penalties.

Deckert's other bill would create a new crime of possessing dogfighting paraphernalia. Dogfighting is illegal in Oregon, but there is no prohibition against possessing equipment that typically is used for dogfighting.

Prosecutors say dogfighting often is a difficult crime to prosecute in part because it requires the cooperation of witnesses who participated in an illegal activity.

A search of Woods' Lake Oswego home last October found pet prescription drugs, metal dog chains, a treadmill and other items that investigators described as "consistent of dogfighting or participation in dogfighting."

In January Woods pleaded guilty to misdemeanor animal abuse, but he was not charged with dogfighting, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $125,000 fine. The Trail Blazers released the 23-year-old player minutes after the guilty plea.