Introduction
Dogfighting is a blood sport in which dogs are forced to fight each other, often to the death, for the purposes of gambling and entertainment. It’s illegal in all 50 states today, but this wasn’t always the case. Up until the 1980s, dogfighting was legal in many parts of the United States. That changed as more and more states began to recognize the inherent cruelty of the activity and enacted felony-level penalties to deter it. Now dogfighting is considered a felony offense in all U.S. states and territories. However, enforcement remains inconsistent and loopholes in the law persist. Certain states treat dogfighting activities like attending or betting on a dogfight as misdemeanors rather than felonies. There are also differences between states in the severity of sentences and fines imposed. But the nationwide felonization of dogfighting reflects changing public attitudes and recognition of dogs as companions rather than commodities over the last few decades.
What is Dogfighting?
Dogfighting is a form of animal cruelty in which dogs are forced to fight each other in a ring or pit for the purposes of entertainment and gambling. It involves raising and training dogs specifically to fight and inflict injury on other dogs.
In a typical dogfight, two dogs are placed in a pit or ring enclosed by wooden walls. The dogs are often conditioned using various cruel training methods to make them want to attack. Common techniques involve starving dogs, using live bait, and electroshock. Handlers known as cornermen are present to control the dogs, encourage aggression, and break up fights.
Dogfighting likely originated with the ancient practice of pitting dogs against other animals. The English began staging dogfights in a pit for entertainment purposes in the early 1800s. Dogfighting then became part of American culture, especially in the Southern United States. Though illegal, it still persists as an underground activity and is linked to other crimes.
Is Dogfighting a Felony Nationwide?
Yes, dogfighting is a felony in all 50 U.S. states. However, the specifics of the anti-dogfighting laws vary somewhat from state to state.
In general, participating in dogfights, operating a dogfighting venue, attending a dogfight as a spectator, and possessing dogs for fighting purposes are felony crimes across the country. The majority of states also prohibit the possession of dogfighting paraphernalia and the training of dogs to fight.
Though dogfighting is uniformly illegal, some states classify it as a felony of varying degrees. For instance, Oklahoma and Texas categorize dogfighting as a state jail felony, while Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina consider it a Class E felony. Other states like Florida, Illinois and Pennsylvania designate dogfighting as a first degree felony – their highest felony charge.
The penalties for violating anti-dogfighting laws also differ between states. Most mandate a combination of fines, imprisonment and seizure of animals. However, the fine amounts and potential length of incarceration vary greatly. Louisiana imposes fines up to $25,000 and prison terms up to 10 years for dogfighting convictions, while Nebraska caps fines at $5,000 and jail time at 3 years.
So while the foundation of anti-dogfighting legislation is consistent across the U.S., the precise classification and punishment of the crime differs among states. But participating in dogfighting is unequivocally a felony offense nationwide.
When Did States Start Making Dogfighting a Felony?
Most states made dogfighting a felony offense in the 1970s and 1980s as awareness grew around the cruelty involved. In 1976, Arizona became the first state to upgrade dogfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony. Other states like Florida, Georgia, and Washington followed suit, enacting felony-level penalties for dogfighting in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The pace of states criminalizing dogfighting picked up in the 1990s and 2000s. High-profile cases increased public opposition to dogfighting, prompting many state legislatures to strengthen penalties. For example, Mississippi upgraded dogfighting from a misdemeanor to a felony in 2004 after football player Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation brought national attention to the issue. By 2008, dogfighting was a felony in all U.S. states except Idaho and Wyoming. Those two states made dogfighting a felony offense in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
Today, dogfighting carries felony-level penalties and substantial fines in all 50 states. States have increased the severity of punishment for dogfighting significantly over the past five decades as ethical views on animal cruelty have evolved. While enforcement remains a challenge, the legal landscape reflects society’s rejection of dogfighting as an inhumane blood sport.
Penalties for Dogfighting by State
Penalties for dogfighting vary widely by state. Some states have stronger laws and harsher punishments compared to others. Below are the maximum sentences for dogfighting in select states with the strongest laws against this cruel activity:
Arizona – Dogfighting is a class 5 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in prison.
Florida – Dogfighting is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Georgia – Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Illinois – Dogfighting is a Class 4 felony, punishable by 1-3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Michigan – Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and fines of $5,000- $50,000.
New York – Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
Challenges in Enforcing Dogfighting Laws
Despite dogfighting being a felony in all 50 states, there are still challenges in enforcing these laws and prosecuting offenders. Some of the main difficulties include:
Underground nature – Dogfights are typically held in secret, in basements, garages, warehouses, barns or other hidden locations, making them difficult for law enforcement to discover and infiltrate. Organizers go to great lengths to avoid detection.
Code of silence – There is a strong code of silence in the dogfighting community. Participants are reluctant to talk to law enforcement or testify against each other. This makes gathering evidence and witness testimony very difficult.
Cross-jurisdictional issues – Dogfights often cross city, county and state lines, creating issues with jurisdiction and coordination between different law enforcement agencies.
Weak penalties – Even though dogfighting is a felony, penalties and enforcement vary widely by state. Weak penalties and enforcement create less of a deterrent.
Lack of resources – Many law enforcement agencies lack the staffing, funding, and training needed to properly investigate dogfighting operations, which require months-long undercover operations.
Difficulty finding physical evidence – Finding DNA or other physical evidence directly linking suspects to dogfights can be challenging, especially if a property search comes up empty.
Reluctance of juries – Some juries are reluctant to hand down felony convictions for dogfighting, seeing it more as a misdemeanor offense. This makes prosecutors less likely to bring charges.
By being aware of these enforcement challenges, policymakers and law enforcement agencies can take steps to strengthen investigation efforts, prosecution, penalties and training around dogfighting.
Efforts to Strengthen Dogfighting Laws
In recent years, there have been efforts at both the state and federal level to impose stricter penalties for dogfighting in order to crack down on this cruel activity.
In 2008, Congress passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which made it a felony to possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, or transport dogs or other animals for the purpose of animal fighting. This law strengthened penalties for interstate trafficking of animals for fighting.
Some states have also taken action to increase penalties for dogfighting. In 2017, Virginia increased the penalty for animal fighting from a misdemeanor to a class 6 felony. In Arizona, a bill was passed in 2019 that made attending an animal fight a felony and increased penalties for possessing animals for fighting purposes.
That same year, Texas lawmakers upgraded dogfighting from a misdemeanor to a state jail felony. The bill was named after a dog named Lily who was used as a bait dog by a dogfighting ring. Efforts by animal advocacy groups helped lead to the bill’s passage.
These are just some examples of recent efforts at both the state and federal level to crack down on dogfighting by increasing penalties and making it a more serious crime.
The Link Between Dogfighting and Other Crimes
Dogfighting is often connected to organized criminal activity involving drugs, firearms, and gambling. Professional dogfighting operations are usually run by extensive criminal networks or gangs. These criminal organizations exploit dogs for profit through an underground economy.
Dogfights are commonly used by gangs as a means to settle disputes and demonstrate toughness. The events often involve illegal betting and exchange of money. Spectators and organizers carry cash and weapons. Dogfights provide opportunities for criminals to network and build relationships.
The venues where dogfights take place also frequently host other illicit activities like selling drugs. Law enforcement raids on dogfighting operations have uncovered narcotics, guns, and ammunition. The gambling aspect further links dogfighting to organized crime.
In addition to the inherent cruelty of dogfighting, the activity serves as a nexus for many types of crime involving drugs, weapons, gambling, and violence. Crackdowns on dogfighting can disrupt and weaken criminal organizations involved in broader illegal enterprises.
Impact on Dogs Used in Fighting
Dogs used in fighting often suffer severe physical and psychological injuries. Fighting dogs are intentionally bred and trained to be aggressive, and they are forced to fight each other, often to the death, for the purposes of gambling and entertainment. This is extremely inhumane and cruel.
Dogs used for fighting endure substantial pain and injury. Common injuries include severe lacerations, puncture wounds, and broken bones. Losing dogs who survive the fight may be killed by their owners if they’re deemed unfit to continue fighting. Many dogs used for fighting die from extreme blood loss or exhaustion before the fight is over.
The psychological impact on dogs forced to fight is also immense. These dogs are subjected to extreme abuse and cruelty for the sole purpose of turning them into vicious fighters. They live their entire lives in chains, often starved and beaten to trigger aggression. This causes lifelong behavioral issues in surviving dogs.
Many dogs rescued from fighting operations can be rehabilitated through specialized training, socialization, and medical treatment. However, rehabilitation requires extensive time, patience, and resources. Some dogs rescued from fighting cannot be safely placed in homes due to the severity of their behavioral issues. Ending the cruel practice of dogfighting is the only way to prevent more dogs from enduring this abuse.
Conclusion
Dogfighting is a cruel and inhumane practice that involves forcing dogs to fight each other for the purposes of gambling and entertainment. Though dogfighting has historically been prevalent in certain subcultures, it is now considered a felony in all 50 US states due to increased awareness of animal welfare issues and evolving social attitudes.
Key legislative milestones like the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 helped establish a nationwide framework for banning animal blood sports and set penalties for violations. While enforcement remains a challenge today, laws prohibiting dogfighting exist across the country and carry felony-level criminal penalties. Participating in, facilitating, or even spectating at a dogfight can result in fines, years of imprisonment, and a felony record.
The consensus among lawmakers, law enforcement, animal welfare groups and the public is clear – dogfighting is an unacceptable form of animal cruelty that warrants vigorous legal prohibition and enforcement. Though work remains to be done, the universal prohibition of dogfighting as a felony offense signifies societal progress in protecting animal welfare.