Introduction
Dogfighting, while illegal in all 50 states, remains an ongoing issue across the U.S. and in some parts of the world. It involves organized fights between dogs that are specifically bred and trained to be aggressive toward other dogs. Dogfighting is considered a felony offense, but identifying fighting dogs can be difficult.
The purpose of this article is to discuss signs that may indicate a dog has been trained to fight. Being able to recognize the physical traits, behaviors, and environmental factors associated with dogfighting can help identify dogs involved and prevent further animal cruelty. This article will also cover the legal implications of dogfighting, rehabilitation of fighting dogs, and how to adopt former fighting dogs.
Physical Signs
Dogs that have been trained to fight often exhibit distinct physical signs from the abuse. Some of the most telling physical indicators include:
Scars/Wounds: Fighting dogs will frequently have bite marks, puncture wounds, and scratched covering their face, neck, front legs, and chest. These wounds show evidence of past altercations with other animals.
Muscular Body: Dogs trained to fight are often specifically bred and conditioned to have powerful, muscular bodies to give them an advantage in the ring. They may appear especially ripped and muscular compared to other dogs.
Filed Teeth: Another common sign of a fighting dog is teeth that have been filed down or sharpened to points. This makes their bites even more lethal and damaging during fights.
Behavioral Signs
Dogs trained to fight often exhibit concerning behavioral signs that set them apart from well-socialized dogs. Some key behaviors to look out for include:
Aggression Towards Other Dogs
Dogs bred and trained to fight are purposefully taught to be aggressive and attack other dogs. They may lunge, snarl, or bite when encountering other dogs while on walks or at the dog park. Their body language may appear stiff and dominant when seeing other dogs.
Being Fearful/Cowering
Fight dogs that lose matches are often abused by their handlers. This can make them hand shy, fearful of new people or situations, and likely to cower submissively. They may tremble, tuck their tail, or avoid eye contact when confronted.
Not Socialized Well with People
Dogs trained to be aggressive are not properly socialized to be gentle and friendly with people. They are isolated and encouraged to be suspicious. As a result, they may appear aloof, wary, or defensive when meeting new people. They likely did not have positive experiences with humans from an early age.
Environmental Factors
There are certain environmental factors that may indicate a dog has been trained to fight. Some things to look out for include:
Isolated environments – Dogs being trained to fight are often kept isolated in barns, sheds, basements or garages with little human interaction besides during training. They are confined to keep them focused on fighting and prevent unnecessary injury from playing or fights with other dogs.
Treadmills/obstacle course equipment – Fighting dogs undergo intense exercise regimes using specialized equipment like treadmills, jumping exercises, and obstacle courses. The presence of this type of equipment could signify fight training.
Dogfighting paraphernalia – Items used in the staging and betting of fights such as breaking sticks to pry apart dogs’ jaws, cat mills, fighting pits, medical kits and training manuals may also indicate dog fighting activity.
Legal Implications
Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It’s a felony in 48 states and the District of Columbia. However, being a spectator at a dogfight is currently a felony in only 20 states. There are legal repercussions for both spectators and dogfighters.
Participants and spectators at dogfights can face fines, jail time, and asset forfeiture. The length of sentences varies by state, with a maximum of 5 years in prison under federal law. Many municipalities have also enacted breed-specific legislation, restricting or banning certain dog breeds associated with fighting such as Pit Bulls. However, research shows that a dog’s behavior is mostly determined by environment and training, not breed.
Dogs rescued from fighting operations should not automatically be considered dangerous or vicious. With proper training, socialization and loving care, many can be rehabilitated into good family companions. Rescue organizations work to evaluate fighting dogs individually, provide rehabilitation services, and place dogs in carefully screened homes. Adopters must demonstrate the skill and patience to help a dog recover from the trauma.
Prevention
There are several ways we can work to prevent dog fighting and reduce the number of dogs bred and trained to fight:
Spaying/Neutering
One of the most effective ways to combat dog fighting is to spay and neuter pets. This helps reduce accidental litters and limits the number of unwanted dogs that could potentially end up in the hands of dog fighters. Spay/neuter campaigns aim to make the procedures more affordable and accessible.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Launching public awareness campaigns can educate the public about the realities of dog fighting. These campaigns showcase rescues of fighting dogs and the rehabilitation process. This brings awareness to the cruelty involved and discourages participation in dog fights.
Stricter Law Enforcement
Increased penalties and enforcement for dog fighting and animal abuse can serve as a deterrent. Law enforcement should monitor online forums where dog fights may be discussed and investigate any suspected criminal activity. Laws should be strictly enforced to prosecute those involved in this inhumane practice.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitating fighting dogs requires a multi-pronged approach focused on socialization training, medical treatment, and finding appropriate permanent homes.
Socialization training is crucial for fighting dogs to overcome their aggression and fear towards other animals and people. This involves slow, controlled positive interactions with friendly dogs and humans to teach the dog alternate non-violent behaviors. Professional trainers often use food rewards, toys, praise and play to reinforce good social responses. Extensive socialization gives fighting dogs a chance to develop new emotional connections and responses.
Medical treatment ensures any injuries, wounds or health issues caused by abuse or fights are properly addressed. Dogs rescued from fighting rings often require treatment for bite wounds, infections, emaciation, parasite infestations and more. Vet care provides pain relief, preventative medicine and monitoring to help stabilize the dog’s health. Bloodwork, diagnostics and medications may be required. Dental issues also need to be treated.
To keep a rehabilitated fighting dog safe long-term, finding an appropriate permanent home is essential. Experienced owners aware of the dog’s special needs should be sought. The dog may do better in a single pet home. Precautions like sturdy enclosures are needed to prevent escapes. Ongoing training reinforcement, veterinary care and supervision are required. With this support, many fighting dogs can reform their violent past and become beloved family pets.
Adoption
Adopting a dog with a history of fighting requires extra care and patience. With proper handling, many fighting dogs can be rehabilitated and placed in loving homes. Here are some tips for adopting a dog that was used for fighting:
Assessing temperament – Work closely with the shelter or rescue group to evaluate the dog’s temperament. Look for signs of human-directed aggression or extreme fear. Meet the dog multiple times in different settings before deciding.
Introducing to other pets slowly – Fighting dogs often have a history of animal aggression. Introduce the adopted dog to other pets in the home very slowly and cautiously, keeping them separated at first. Proper muzzle conditioning can help manage interactions.
Providing secure environment – The adoptive home should have a high fence, secure doors/gates, and proper containment when unsupervised. This provides safety for people, pets, and the adopted dog. Reduce risk by removing doggie doors and managing interactions.
Warning Signs
Certain warning signs may indicate a dog has been trained to fight or is being used for fighting purposes. Some key things to look out for include:
Dogs Chained Outside
Dogs that are chained up alone outside, especially pit bulls or other muscular breeds, may be kept isolated to make them more aggressive. Dog fighters want their dogs to become territorial, unsocialized, and frustrated by chaining them up outside.
Training Equipment
Equipment like weighted collars, spring poles with ropes, large tires, or other devices used to strengthen dogs and practice shaking/biting are indicators of dog fighting. Underground dog fighting operations need specialized equipment to physically prepare their dogs.
Underground Magazines/Websites
People involved in the dog fighting world may subscribe to underground magazines or visit websites dedicated to promoting illegal dog fights. These materials share information on breeding, training, and fighting dogs for profit.
Conclusion
As we have discussed, identifying if a dog has been trained to fight can be challenging. Looking for physical signs like wounds, scars, and aggressive body language can provide clues. Behavioral red flags like animal aggression, fear, and high prey drive may also indicate a history of dogfighting. If a dog’s environment shows evidence of training equipment or caged enclosures for fighting, that is another warning sign. Legally, any suspected dogfighting should be reported to authorities, though rehabilitation and adoption is possible with proper training. Ultimately, education and advocacy around this issue are key to reducing dogfighting’s impact on animals and communities.
To recap, the main identifying factors covered are:
- Physical signs of wounds or scars
- Aggressive behaviors towards other animals or people
- Presence of training equipment or caged enclosures
- Isolation, fear, or anxiety in the dog
Resources are available to help identify signs of dogfighting and prevent this illegal activity. Animal control, law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations can provide guidance. Responsible pet ownership and training helps reduce aggressive behaviors in dogs. Communities can stand against dogfighting by reporting suspicions and promoting humane education.
The impact of dogfighting is far-reaching, causing animal suffering and promoting criminal activity. But through education, rehabilitation, and advocacy, we can reduce its influence and protect both animals and people.