Introduction
Dogfighting is a blood sport in which dogs, often pit bull types, are bred and trained to fight and attack each other. Dogfights usually take place in secret locations and are often associated with illegal gambling. Spectators and dog owners place wagers on which dog will win the fight. The dogs fight until one dog is physically unable to continue, the owner surrenders, or the fight is broken up. Dogfighting is currently illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The federal Animal Welfare Act also bans any interstate commerce or transportation of animals for fighting purposes.
Although dogfighting is now a felony in all states, it still occurs as an underground activity. Law enforcement faces challenges in detecting and prosecuting dogfights, as organizers take pains to keep them secret. Some states also have weak penalties for this crime. However, authorities have had success in recent years in cracking down on major dogfighting rings through sting operations, informants, and better laws. While dogfighting still persists, it has declined significantly from its heyday in the 1980s and 90s due to stronger legal penalties and public education.
History of Dogfighting
Dogfighting likely originated over 2,000 years ago, during Roman times when dogs were pitted against each other, bulls, and bears for spectator entertainment. Contemporary dogfighting emerged in the early 19th century in England after bull-baiting was outlawed. Dogfighting spread to America during the late 1800s.
In early dogfighting, the breeds involved were bull dogs and terriers. Over time, enthusiasts began breeding dogs specifically for fighting, resulting in the pit bull breed. Dogfights were popular spectator events, often advertised in newspapers and held for entertainment and gambling. The practice was legal and socially acceptable.
As social attitudes shifted, opposition to dogfighting grew. The first anti-cruelty laws were passed in the 1860s. Dogfighting was outlawed in most states by the 1930s, though enforcement was lax. The last legal dogfight was held in 1981. Today, dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and actively prosecuted, though it still persists as an underground activity.
Arguments For Dogfighting
There are some groups and individuals that argue in favor of continuing the practice of dogfighting for reasons related to cultural tradition, entertainment and gambling revenue, the dog breeding industry, and personal liberties.
Some supporters see dogfighting as an important cultural tradition or legacy that should be preserved, especially in certain rural areas where it has existed for generations. They argue it is part of their regional or family heritage.
In addition, dogfights can generate significant amounts of money related to gambling, breeding, and selling fighting dogs. The events themselves and the gambling they facilitate can represent major revenue sources for certain communities. There are also those involved in the breeding and training of fighting dogs that depend on the industry for their livelihood.
There is also an argument made by some that regulations against dogfighting infringe on personal freedoms and liberties. This view sees the practice as a personal choice and opposes government intervention on this issue.
Arguments Against Dogfighting
The opposition to dogfighting highlights several concerns around animal cruelty, public safety, links to other criminal activity, and the normalization of violence.
Animal welfare advocates argue that forcing dogs to fight often results in severe injuries or death, clearly constituting animal abuse and cruelty. Dogs used in fights endure significant cruelty, including having their teeth removed, being chained or caged frequently, and receiving inadequate food, water and shelter. Many dogs die in fights from blood loss and trauma. Even dogs which “win” fights often sustain serious injuries that go untreated. The cruelty extends to the killing of dogs deemed unfit to fight.
In terms of public safety, dogfighting poses risks for spectators, neighbors and the community at large. Dogfights are associated with other criminal activity involving gangs, gambling and drugs. The presence of weapons and unsupervised, potentially aggressive dogs in neighborhoods creates dangerous conditions. Failed dogfighters may turn to stealing pets or baiting dogs to “practice” fighting. Communities must also bear costs for policing and investigating dogfighting activity.
Allowing dogfighting contributes to a cultural desensitization to violence. The acts inherent in dogfighting training and events normalize brutality. Children exposed to dogfighting may become desensitized to animal suffering and abuse. The culture surrounding dogfighting promotes violent conditioning. Advocates argue society should take a stand against violence toward all living beings.
State Laws
Most states have enacted laws making dogfighting a felony offense. Penalties vary by state but often include both fines and incarceration. For example, in Florida dogfighting is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Some states like Virginia and New Mexico classify dogfighting as a felony with penalties equivalent to those for cruelty to animals. Others have enacted dogfighting-specific statutes imposing harsher punishments than basic animal cruelty laws.
A minority of states still classify certain dogfighting activities as misdemeanors. However, there is a clear nationwide trend towards making all aspects of dogfighting a felony. Even in states where the law treats dogfighting as a misdemeanor, penalties have been steadily increasing over time. For instance, first offense dogfighting went from a misdemeanor in Wyoming in 2010 to a felony by 2019.
Most dogfighting laws also include asset forfeiture provisions allowing property, money and other assets connected with dogfighting operations to be seized. States take dogfighting seriously as an organized crime and animal welfare issue.
Federal Laws
The federal government has passed several important laws aimed at prohibiting dogfighting and protecting animal welfare. Some of the most significant federal laws include:
The Animal Welfare Act – Passed in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act established requirements for the humane handling, care and treatment of animals. The Act made it a federal crime to harm pets and specifically prohibited dogfighting. The Act has been amended several times to increase protections.
Farm Bills – Federal farm bills have included provisions that apply to dogfighting. The 2002 farm bill made it a federal felony to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in dogfighting, and the 2008 farm bill strengthened penalties for being a spectator at an animal fighting event.
Interstate Transport – The federal government banned interstate and foreign transport of animals for fighting purposes in 1976. This law makes it illegal to transport dogs across state lines or internationally for the purpose of fighting. This helps curb dogfighting by limiting transport of fighting dogs.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels have made efforts to crack down on illegal dogfighting operations through raids, arrests, and prosecutions. However, investigating and prosecuting dogfighting can pose significant challenges for law enforcement.
Multi-agency task forces will often conduct raids on suspected dogfighting operations, seizing dogs, equipment, and evidence. Raids require extensive planning and coordination to collect the necessary evidence for prosecution while maintaining officer safety. High-profile raids have occurred across the country, from urban areas to rural locations where dogfights take place in more secrecy.
Building strong cases against dogfighting suspects takes time and resources. Law enforcement may use confidential informants, conduct surveillance, and infiltrate inner circles to gather the required evidence. Dogfighting organizations go to great lengths to evade detection, communicating in code and requiring vouching from trusted members.
Those arrested and convicted for dogfighting may face years in prison as well as large fines. However, some cases have resulted in probation and fines instead of substantial jail time. Sentencing depends on the specific crimes charged and whether they are prosecuted at the state or federal level.
Despite increased enforcement efforts in recent years, dogfighting remains an ongoing challenge for law enforcement agencies. Investigators estimate a large underground network still thrives across the country.
Rehabilitation and Advocacy
Many organizations work to rehabilitate and rehome dogs rescued from fighting operations. These groups show that dogs trained to be aggressive can often be rehabilitated with time, training, socialization and love. One prominent program is BadRap, which rescues dogs from fight busts and places them in foster homes for rehabilitation. Their trainers and volunteers work to socialize the dogs with people and other animals and help them become adoptable pets. Many of these dogs go on to live happy lives as family companions after rehabilitation.
Advocacy groups also work to educate the public on the horrors of dogfighting. The ASPCA has an extensive public education campaign to raise awareness of animal cruelty issues like dogfighting. They work to teach people how to identify signs of dogfighting and encourage reporting suspected activities to law enforcement. Other groups like the Humane Society also have education initiatives to inform the public about this criminal activity.
Rehabilitation and education efforts aim to reduce demand for fighting dogs and change public perceptions. With greater awareness and rehabilitation options, there is hope to end dogfighting through cultural shifts rather than just legal prohibition.
Cultural Shifts
Public attitudes towards dogfighting have undergone significant changes in recent decades. What was once an accepted, mainstream practice has increasingly become unacceptable in the eyes of the public.
High profile cases of dogfighting made national headlines in the early 2000s, bringing greater awareness to the inherent cruelty involved. Animal rights organizations conducted advocacy campaigns condemning the practice. This sparked a cultural shift, with dogfighting losing its mainstream appeal and acceptance.
Certain subcultures remain drawn towards dogfighting, keeping the practice alive despite increased opposition. In some rural areas and inner cities, dogfighting persists as an underground activity. Proponents consider it a treasured cultural tradition or macho display of power over animals. Efforts to eradicate dogfighting face continued challenges among those clinging to the illegal bloodsport.
However, the tide of public opinion has broadly turned against dogfighting, even in once stronghold areas. While complete eradication faces difficulties, cultural attitudes predominantly view dogfighting as unacceptable animal cruelty deserving punishment under the law.
Conclusion
In summary, dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and under federal law. While it still persists as an underground activity, law enforcement efforts have ramped up in recent decades to crack down on dogfighting operations and networks. Stiff penalties, including felony convictions and prison time, await those convicted of involvement in dogfighting ventures. With shifting cultural attitudes and public awareness campaigns highlighting the cruelty involved, dogfighting has become more taboo and participation has declined significantly from its heyday.
Looking ahead, animal welfare advocates remain committed to their ongoing efforts to raise awareness and see full eradication of dogfighting in the United States. Harsher legal penalties, breeding bans, rescue/rehabilitation programs, education, and outreach will continue to curb the practice. While dogfighting likely cannot be fully eliminated, the goal is to drive it as far underground as possible and make it an unviable and unpopular activity shunned by the mainstream public and dog enthusiasts alike. With persistence from lawmakers and advocacy groups, participation in dogfighting is expected to continue its decline until it is relegated to only the most fringe elements of society.