Now that a high-profile sports star has been charged with dogfighting, the phenomenon is all over the news. But do you know what dogfighting is?
Dogfighting is — as the name implies — a contest in which two dogs fight each other. The dogs are bred, conditioned, or trained to fight. The fights average an hour in length and can often last more than two hours; the fight is over when one of the dogs cannot or will not continue. During the fight, spectators can watch and bet on the outcome.
Dogfighting is illegal in the United States and is a felony offense in almost every state. Why? Because if dogfighting were a minor offense, organizers could probably absorb the cost of fines easily — dogfighting can yield large profits for organizers. Making dogfighting a felony offense also addresses the cruelty inherent in the practice. Some people believe watching and betting on a dogfight should also be a felony — the spectator’s money helps keep the practice alive and the spectator is willingly seeking and supporting a cruel and criminal activity. Some spectators and organizers bring young children to dogfighting events, teaching a child insensitivity to animal suffering and a lack of respect for the law.
Even before a dog enters the ring, he or she is subjected to cruel and neglectful treatment. In the ring, the injuries both dogs sustain can be severe or even fatal: deep bruising, severe puncture wounds, and broken bones. Dogs may die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection. Dogs (and other smaller animals) that are not fighters may be used as “bait” animals to help train the fighters.
What can you do to help stop dogfighting?
- Urge your state legislators to make penalties for dogfighting severe. Some states still consider dogfighting a misdemeanor.
- Ask your local media to help increase public awareness of the dangers of dogfighting and the cruelty of this practice.
- Ask your local law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and judges to take dogfighting seriously as a crime.
- If you suspect dogfighting in your neighborhood, alert your local law enforcement agency.
- Visit the Humane Society for more educational material and information.