Dogfighting Definition & Laws
Dogfighting is defined as a blood sport between game dogs (dogs who possess “gameness” keep charging at the opponent) for the purpose of entertainment and is also used as a source of revenue in the form of gambling, admission and stud fees. Currently, dogfighting is classified as a felony crime in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s also a felony to be in possession of dogs for fighting in 47 states (excluding New York, Texas, and Washington), District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While laws forbidding being a spectator of dogfighting—defined as a viciously inhumane act of animal cruelty—are less stringent, they are still considered felonies in 27 states and misdemeanors in 21 states. CNN reported that President Bush, before leaving office, made dogfighting laws stronger by increasing sentences to three years with a $250,000 fine.
The Fight
CNN reported that professional dogfighting contests are typically planned several months in advance and locations are kept secret until a few hours before the fight. Spectators are carefully screened to avoid infiltrators and maintain security. Street fights that are less organized and are often run by armature handlers are on the rise in urban areas. There are approximately 100,000 individuals involved in street fighting, many of whom are young adults in gangs, and 40,000 individuals involved in professional dogfighting.
During the actual fight there is a pit set up, often constructed of plywood, where each handler holds his dog back in their respective corners until a referee gives the signal to let them go. Once released, the dogs fly through the air, lunging at each other in a vicious and savage fight that ends in either the death of one of the dogs or a serious injury. Even if the loosing dogs don’t perish in the pit, they will often die later of the wounds inflicted from the fight or at the hands of their “owners”.
The Impact of Dogfighting
The extreme cruelty to all of the animals involved is obvious. The Animal Legal and Historical Center says that there are other factors to consider when assessing the impact of dogfighting. Children routinely exposed to dogfighting events become desensitized to animal cruelty and begin to view this inexcusable violence as acceptable behavior, with an increased likelihood in engaging in criminal activity as adults. possessing a sense of enthusiasm for violence and disregard for the law. It is also common for illegal drugs to be sold at many of these events, along with an occurrence of illegal gambling. The Humane Society says that another concern is that these ill-fated dogs are trained to be vicious and violent, and pose a serious threat to other animal companions and small children in the surrounding community. There are also numerous accounts linking dogfighting to many other crimes, including domestic violence and homicide.
What to do if you suspect dogfighting is occurring near you and what to look for:
If you see signs of dogfighting, report it to the police. Keep in mind: dogfighting is dangerous and frequently accompanies other types of crime. If you’re unsure if dogfighting is taking place in your community, experts say to look for the following signs:
• Equipment associated with dogfighting, like cages, pits, rings, heavy chains, weights, ¬wooden ramps, and treadmills
• Presence of multiple pit bulls
• Dogs with wounds, scars, and untreated injuries
• Blood spatters
• Veterinarian supplies
• An “owner” abusing dogs
• Dogfighting magazines
• Heavy traffic of people and dogs to and from a particular property
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 Michael Vick catalyzed the world’s attention to the horror of dogfighting, but In Defense of Animal’s message is bigger than Michael Vick. We have written letters requesting that the N.F.L. change its “criminal offense section”—“violent and/or criminal activity,” as stated under the Personal Conduct Policy, to include the illegal activities of dogfighting and cockfighting.
While the Policy already prohibits "criminal offenses," it highlights certain actions the league deems particularly egregious for players, such as domestic violence, fraud, substance abuse, and possession of a gun on the team airplane. IDA asks that dogfighting and cockfighting be added to that list. To help achieve our goal, IDA invites our members to write similar letters (see below).
What You Can Do:
Please contact N.F.L. Commissioner Roger Goodell and respectfully request that he add dogfighting and cockfighting to the N.F.L.'s Personal Conduct Policy. Be sure to include the following points:
1. Please include dogfighting and cockfighting in the criminal offense section of the N.F.L'.s Personal Conduct Policy.
2. N.F.L. guidelines influence not only N.F.L. players but provide standards for all levels, including college and high-school players.
3. Because N.F.L. players are role models for young, amateur athletes, they should be held to a higher standard.
4. Animal cruelty is shown to be the most consistent predictor of violence against humans.
5. Ask the N.F.L. to make all players aware that dogfighting and cockfighting will not be tolerated by the N.F.L.
Send the letter to:
Mr. Roger Goodell, Commissioner
National Football League
280 Park Ave., 15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-450-2000
Fax: 212-681-7599
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