Dogfighting

(modified from the Humane Society of the United States)

1. What is dogfighting?
Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other, for the spectators' gambling and entertainment. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dogfights end when one of the dogs is no longer willing or able to continue. In addition to these dogfights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized, more spontaneous street fights in urban areas.

2. How does it cause animal suffering?
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds, and broken bones.

Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.

3. What Breed of Dogs are Involved in Dog Fighting?
Dogs which have the appearance and characteristics of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or any other breed commonly known as pit bull, may be used in dog fighting activities. Other large breeds of dogs may also be used for dog fighting.
Dogs used in fighting often times have observable characteristics:

• short ear crops
• recent or long-standing wounds and abscesses
• scars on the head, throat, legs, and ears
• wide leather or web collars with heavy rings
• puncture wounds and lacerations
• bleeding dogs and/or blood stains in a confined area
• severe injuries that can result in death from loss of blood and internal trauma.

4. Are there other concerns?
Yes. Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal "sport." Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence, and a lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling is the norm at dogfights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dogfights because of the large amounts of cash present. And dogfighting has been connected to other kinds of violence—even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dogfights.

5. What other effects does the presence of dogfighting have on people and animals in a community?
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people. Children are especially at risk, because their small size may cause a fighting dog to perceive a child as another animal.

6. Why should dogfighting be a felony offense?
There are several compelling reasons. Because dogfighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dogfighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the hand. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice.

Those involved in dogfighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dogfighting if it is a felony. As more states make dogfighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters.

7. Do some states already have felony laws?
Yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state.

8. Should being a spectator also be a felony?
Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this "sport" alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight; they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance.

9. Why Should You Care?
Dog fighting has become a serious issue within our community. Why should you know how to recognize and report suspected dog fighting activities? Because dog fighting is a felony and is linked to many other illegal and criminal activities. Law enforcement and animal welfare investigators report:

• dog fighters are often involved in illegal gambling, the sale and possession of drugs, as well as illegal weapons.
• dog fighters and spectators have a history of violent and criminal behavior toward people.
• dog fighting is another entertainment activity for gangs.
• dogs trained for fighting have been known to viciously attack innocent people for no apparent reason.
• it is not uncommon for dog fighters or spectators to involve their children in dog fighting.

Research shows young children who view this type of violence have a greater acceptance of aggressive attitudes and behavior. These children are taught to believe that it's okay to inflict the cruelties they observe and that dog fighting is an acceptable practice.

10. Other Signs of Dog Fighting
Just because your neighbor owns a pit bull does not mean that he or she is a dog fighter.
Signs of serious dog fighting include:

• ownership of several adult dogs and/or puppies that are confined by thick chains with or without weights on their collars.
• tires or other items suspended from trees to provide jaw strengthening activities.
• a "cat mill" which confines a cat, rabbit or other small animal and encourages the dog to chase it may be present. As a reward for its hard, work, the dog will be permitted to capture and kill the confined animal.
• people of all ages coming and going in groups from a residence or other site, some with dogs.

11. What Should You Look For?
Men, women and children attend dog fights throughout the year. Dog fighting is not a "seasonal sport."
Virtually any area within the community can hold a dog fight:

• an abandoned house
• a vacant garage
• an isolated warehouse
• a commercial or residential basement
• a secluded park
• a farmhouse or barn
• Observing adolescents and/or adults with dogs, going to or coming from a site, should peak your curiosity.
• The party-like atmosphere surrounding a dog fight is noticeable. Spectators cheer for their chosen dog as the bets stack up. Growling and barking, especially if other breeds of dogs are being used, is sometimes recognizable.

12. What can I do to help stop dogfighting?
We encourage you also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dogfighting and to law enforcement officials to urge them to take the issue seriously.