Introduction
Dog fighting has unfortunately been part of American history since the early 19th century, when it was originally introduced based on the British bloodsport of bull baiting and bear baiting. It rose in popularity through the 1800s and early 1900s as a form of entertainment, wagering, and a showcase for breeding dogs. Despite being outlawed in all 50 states today, dog fighting still persists as an underground activity due to a subculture that continues to value and glorify the “sport.”
While activism and legislation have dramatically reduced its prevalence, dog fighting still occurs as a source of illicit income, gang activity, entertainment for those who participate, and means of achieving status in certain societies that promote violence. Its secretive and insular nature enables it to evade law enforcement in small pockets. However, through increased education, advocacy, and community support, the culture that enables dog fighting can be transformed and overcome.
Prevalence Today
Despite being illegal in all 50 states, underground dog fighting still persists across the United States today. Estimates vary, but animal welfare organizations believe thousands of dog fights happen each year, predominantly in the Southern and Midwestern regions where the practice first became popular. Hotspots include urban areas like Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles, as well as rural parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky where illegal events can take place on private property away from public view. Though precise numbers are impossible to determine due to the criminal nature of these competitions, authorities regularly uncover dog fighting operations involving dozens of dogs bred and trained specifically for fighting. The Humane Society estimates at least 40,000 people are involved in the industry and over 250,000 dogs are living chained or confined for fighting purposes at any given time. While public awareness campaigns have reduced its popularity compared to past decades, dog fighting remains an ongoing problem in America.
Reasons It Persists
Despite increased attention and crackdowns, dogfighting continues to persist in certain areas due to a few key factors:
Firstly, organizing dogfights can be highly lucrative for ringleaders. Entry fees, betting, and stud fees for champion fighters can result in large profits for organizers. The potential to make tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars serves as motivation to continue the illegal activity.
Secondly, dogfighting is deeply ingrained in the culture and tradition of some rural areas. The practice has been passed down through generations as a recreational hobby and sport. Long-held beliefs are difficult to change overnight. The cultural normalization of dogfighting in certain demographics enables it to continue.
Finally, as an underground illegal activity, dogfighting is inherently difficult to fully eradicate. Law enforcement lacks resources to infiltrate all corners where it may occur. The secretive and mobile nature of fights also poses challenges. While great progress has been made, pockets of dogfighting persist due to these factors.
Effects on Dogs
One of the most disturbing aspects of dog fighting is the harm inflicted upon the animals. Dogs used in fights endure extreme physical suffering and psychological trauma.
The physical wounds sustained in fights often require expensive veterinary care, like surgery and medications. Common injuries include lacerations, broken bones, disfiguring wounds to faces and limbs, injuries to eyes and ears, and dehydration. Many dogs die immediately in the ring from their wounds. Those who initially survive still typically perish prematurely, as their shortened lifespans are riddled with pain and illness.
In addition to the physical trauma, dogs suffer immense psychological damage from the abuse and violence. Kept chained or confined, they are socialized to be aggressive. Training methods involve baiting and cruel punishments. This conditioning distorts dogs’ natural behaviors and often results in fears, anxieties, and stress-induced compulsive behaviors.
The pain and suffering experienced by dogs exploited in dog fighting is immeasurable. The inhumane treatment takes an extreme toll on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies have made cracking down on dogfighting a priority in recent years. Dogs used for fighting are viewed as victims of animal cruelty, and law enforcement goes to great lengths to rescue them from abusive situations.
All 50 states have felony penalties for animal cruelty and dogfighting. Convictions can result in years in prison, fines in the tens of thousands of dollars, and a felony record. Federal laws such as the Animal Welfare Act also impose severe penalties.
To apprehend dogfighters, law enforcement has utilized sting operations, raids, and undercover informants. Raids on dogfighting operations have resulted in dozens or even hundreds of dogs being rescued and rehabilitated. Informants help build legal cases that lead to convictions.
Rescued dogs are cared for by animal shelters and veterinarians to recover from injuries, starvation, and trauma. Behavioral rehabilitation helps prepare dogs to be adopted into loving homes. Though challenging, many dogs rescued from fighting rings are able to become trusted family pets after rehabilitation.
By imposing stiff legal penalties on perpetrators and rescuing victimized dogs, law enforcement aims to eliminate the cruel bloodsport of dogfighting.
Prevention Strategies
Dog fighting thrives in the shadows, so bringing it to light, exposing its inherent cruelty, and providing alternatives in high-risk communities are essential. This can start by educating youth about the brutality involved and spreading awareness of warning signs that it may be occurring in an area. Advocacy campaigns can counter myths and change social norms around dog fighting. Offering accessible after-school programs, job training, and community support reduces the vulnerabilities that lead people into these underground activities. And undermining the profit motive by shutting down gambling rings and online sales gives law enforcement critical tools.
Rehabilitation Challenges
Dogs rescued from fighting operations often face severe behavioral issues due to the physical abuse and trauma they endured. Common problems include aggression toward other animals and people, fearfulness, anxiety, and difficulty being handled. These issues make rehabilitating fighting dogs an extremely challenging process.
Fighting dogs were bred and trained to be aggressive, so they can be unsafe around other animals and very difficult to control on a leash. Their lack of socialization and abusive past experiences also make them wary of people. With specialized training protocols and experienced handlers, some can eventually become well-adjusted pets. However, the severity of their behavioral problems means many dogs rescued from fighting cannot be safely placed in adoptive homes.
The extensive rehabilitation fighting dogs require limits the number of rescues and shelters able to take them in. Adopters also face liability risks if a dog has a violent incident, leading many rescues to be cautious about adopting out former fighting dogs. Their rehabilitation and placement requires extensive resources, specialized behavioral training, and a shortage of suitable homes. As a result, many dogs rescued from fighting operations face long-term challenges finding permanent adoptive homes.
Success Stories
There are many inspiring success stories that demonstrate progress in combating dog fighting. Here are some examples of organizations helping the cause and dogs being rescued and adopted into loving homes.
BadRap is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping dogs rescued from illegal fighting operations. They provide behavioral training, socialization, medical care and loving homes for these dogs. Many dogs arrive shut down and untrusting of humans, but through patience and care, their sweet personalities shine through. BadRap has successfully placed hundreds of former fighting dogs into adoptive homes where they live happily as beloved family pets.
The ASPCA also works to rehabilitate and rehome dogs rescued from fight rings. One such dog was Margaret, who was covered in scars and very fearful when first brought in. With time and training, Margaret overcame her traumatic past. She was adopted by a loving family with three children and is now a cherished part of their lives.
These heartwarming tales of recovery and second chances show that while progress takes time, dog fighting victims can go on to live joyful lives. The organizations leading rehabilitation and adoption efforts are creating real change and saving lives.
Progress Made
While dog fighting is still an issue today, great progress has been made over the past few decades in reducing known cases and changing public perceptions on this inhumane activity. According to [sources], known cases of dog fighting have declined significantly since the 1980s and 1990s when it was at its peak. This decline can be attributed to a combination of stronger legal penalties, increased public awareness, and more vigorous law enforcement efforts.
In addition, views on dog fighting have shifted dramatically in recent years. Whereas it was once seen as an acceptable, if not mainstream activity, today the vast majority of the public views it as cruel and unacceptable. High profile cases covered extensively in the media have raised awareness and shaped public opinion. Movies and documentaries condemning dog fighting have also had a major impact. While changing attitudes and reducing cases further remains a challenge, the progress made indicates that dog fighting’s heyday has passed and many more municipalities are dedicated to eradicating it. Continued education and vigilance can help ensure this inhumane bloodsport becomes a relic of the past.
Outlook
Although dogfighting has declined significantly, it still persists in certain areas and communities. Law enforcement faces ongoing challenges in detecting and stopping these underground rings. Dogfighters become adept at evading police and operating in secret. However, there are reasons for optimism. Public awareness campaigns and education efforts help people recognize signs of dogfighting and report suspicious activities. Stricter laws and stronger penalties also deter would-be dogfighters. While cultural attitudes are difficult to change, they are gradually shifting against this cruel bloodsport. Groups like the ASPCA provide critical support, resources and medical care for rescued fight dogs. And many abused dogs can be successfully rehabilitated into loving family pets. With vigilance, compassion and cooperation, dogfighting can hopefully one day become a thing of the past.