Introduction
Dogfighting is a form of animal cruelty involving the violent combat of dogs for the purposes of gambling and entertainment. Fighting dogs, also known as game dogs, are purposefully bred and trained to display extreme aggression and engage in brutal bloodsports against other dogs, leading to horrific injuries and even death. Dogfighting is an illegal underground activity that persists due to the efforts of criminal enterprises and exploitative handlers seeking to profit off the bloodshed and suffering of dogs.
A fighting dog is a canine specifically bred and trained to attack and fight other dogs in an orchestrated and violent spectacle. Fighting dogs are often pit bull-type breeds or bull breeds such as American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, or other muscular working dogs. They are bred and reared in isolation to maximize aggression and minimize affection or socialization with humans and other animals. Handlers employ cruel training techniques including using bait animals, heavy chains, treadmills, and steroids to build fighting dogs’ strength and predatory drive to attack and never surrender in the fighting pit.
Dogfighting as an organized bloodsport involves placing two fighting dogs against each other in a ring or pit to viciously attack each other for spectator entertainment and gambling. Dogfights can last for hours, only ending when one dog dies or is unable to continue fighting. In addition to severe injuries and death, the dogs are subjected to abusive living conditions and denial of veterinary care. The illegal enterprise of dogfighting operates in secrecy through an underground subculture that glorifies violence.
Overview of Dogfighting
Dogfighting has unfortunately been practiced throughout history in many parts of the world. The bloodsport likely originated over 2,000 years ago, dating back to ancient Roman times when dogs were pitted against each other for entertainment. Dogfighting then spread to other parts of Europe and Asia.
When Europeans began colonizing the Americas, they introduced the practice of dogfighting. It became a popular underground activity especially in the Southern United States. The practice continued in the U.S. for centuries, with dogs being specifically bred for fighting. Dogfighting experienced a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s, leading to its current prevalence today.
Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states, but it still persists as an organized illegal activity. Fights are arranged in secret locations with spectators betting on the outcome. The Humane Society estimates there are about 40,000 people involved in dogfighting in the U.S. Many dogs suffer severe injuries or death as a result of the physical abuse and cruelty involved.
Laws Against Dogfighting
Dogfighting is banned in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. It is also a federal crime under the federal Animal Welfare Act. The Animal Welfare Act prohibits any “sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture,” which includes dogfighting. Convicted violators face felony charges and stiff penalties including fines up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 5 years.
The federal Farm Bill in 2007 strengthened dogfighting prohibitions by making it illegal to knowingly: possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, receive, or transport dogs or other animals for purposes of having the dog participate in an animal fighting venture; possess, transport, deliver, or receive instruments or other paraphernalia used in animal fighting ventures; or attend or knowingly cause someone under 18 years of age to attend an animal fighting venture. These offenses are punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and prison sentences of up to 3 years.
Most states have also enacted their own animal cruelty laws to combat dogfighting at the local level. For example, in New York, dogfighting is a felony offense punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000. Many states also prohibit being a spectator at a dogfight, possessing dogs for fighting, and training dogs for fighting. Penalties vary but often include both jail time and significant fines.
Penalties for Spectators
Spectators who attend illegal dogfights can face serious consequences if caught. While they may not be directly involved in the fighting or gambling, the act of spectating alone provides financial support and encouragement for this criminal activity.
Attending a dogfight is typically classified as a misdemeanor offense. The maximum penalties can include fines up to $5,000 and jail time up to 1 year. However, penalties increase with multiple offenses. Those with prior convictions for animal cruelty or dogfighting may face felony charges instead.
Several states have enhanced laws specifically targeting spectators. In Arizona, attending a dogfight is a felony with mandatory jail time. Louisiana imposes fines up to $1000 and prison up to 5 years for those who pay admission or entry fees. New Mexico adds mandatory counseling. Some states also allow courts to ban convicted spectators from owning or living with animals.
While prosecution of spectators has historically been rare, law enforcement has pledged to crack down harder on all facilitators of dogfighting. The penalties serve as a warning and deterrent to discourage attendance and participation in this illegal blood sport.
Penalties for Dog Owners
Dog owners face some of the harshest penalties for participating in dogfighting. Most states make it a felony offense to own, possess, keep, train, or breed dogs for fighting purposes. Just owning fighting dogs or being present at a dogfight can result in:
- Fines up to $50,000
- Jail time from 1-10 years
- Lifetime bans from owning or living with animals
- Confiscation of all animals
Even first time offenses often result in multi-year prison sentences. Owners may also face additional charges like animal cruelty. Sentences tend to increase for repeat offenders. Many states also hold owners responsible for the actions of their animals, meaning they face charges for any injuries or deaths caused by their fighting dogs attacking other animals or people.
In addition to criminal penalties, owners can face sizable civil penalties. Courts may order them to repay animal shelters and veterinarians for the cost of housing and treating seized animals. Restitution to injured parties can also amount to thousands of dollars.
Penalties for Dog Trainers/Handlers
Those who train, handle, or breed dogs for the purpose of dogfighting face some of the harshest penalties under anti-dogfighting laws. As the ones responsible for conditioning dogs to fight and sustaining the underground dogfighting industry, trainers and handlers are charged with felonies in all 50 states.
Penalties for dog trainers and handlers often include both hefty fines and years of jail time. Fines can reach up to $50,000 in some states, with jail sentences ranging from 1-10 years depending on the specific state laws and details of the case. Those who are found to be operating kennels or facilities for housing and training fighting dogs may face additional charges and penalties.
Because dogfighting operations usually involve interstate commerce and transportation of animals across state lines, dog trainers and handlers may also face federal charges under the federal Animal Welfare Act. This can add additional fines up to $250,000 and federal prison time up to 5 years.
Due to the cruel nature of conditioning dogs to fight, judges tend to impose harsher punishments on dog trainers and handlers. Those who plead guilty and show remorse may receive lighter sentences, but all dog trainers and handlers convicted under anti-dogfighting laws face steep fines and years behind bars.
Penalties for Event Organizers
Event organizers are subject to the most severe legal punishments for their role in facilitating and enabling illegal dogfighting. As the key architects in organizing and hosting dogfight events, organizers face felony charges in all 50 states. Convictions typically carry multi-year prison sentences along with hefty fines.
Most states impose felony penalties of 3-10 years in prison for organizing a dogfight. However, depending on the circumstances, organizers can face more than 10 years behind bars. For example, in Texas the maximum sentence is 10 years in prison with up to a $10,000 fine. Meanwhile, Arkansas carries up to 6 years and a $25,000 fine. The length of sentences ultimately comes down to the presiding judge.
Additional factors often taken into consideration include the scale of the event, number of spectators, gambling and drugs present, presence of weapons, and harm caused to the dogs. If aggravating circumstances are present, such as operating a major multi-state dogfighting ring over many years, some organizers have received sentences of 15-20 years.
Simply put, those who plan and orchestrate these barbaric events face lengthy prison terms and financial costs that match the severity of their crimes. The long incarceration sentences reflect society’s utter disdain for the cruel exploitation of animals for entertainment and profit.
Sentencing Trends
Sentencing for dogfighting crimes varies significantly by state and circumstance, but some general trends have emerged in recent years. Many states have enacted stricter laws against dogfighting, resulting in stiffer penalties for those involved.
For spectating at a dogfight, first-time offenders may receive fines of a few hundred dollars and no jail time in some states, while other states mandate at least several months in jail. Repeat offenders often face one to five years in prison. The harshest sentences are for those organizing events, with average prison terms between two to five years for first offenses. However, organizers convicted of running multi-state operations over many years sometimes receive sentences of over a decade behind bars.
The average prison sentence for dog owners and handlers who actively train fighting dogs is one to three years for first offenses. However, those running extensive breeding and training operations have received sentences upwards of five years. The length of sentences frequently depends on the number of dogs involved and the severity of animal cruelty evidence.
Many advocates argue the punishments still do not properly reflect the severity of crimes against the animals. However, sentences have steadily increased over the past decade as more states pass stricter laws and enforcement efforts ramp up. The long-term effectiveness of stiffer penalties remains to be seen.
Effectiveness of Punishments
When it comes to deterring dogfighting, the effectiveness of legal penalties and punishments is debatable. On one hand, stiffer penalties seem necessary to curb this cruel and inhumane activity. Spectators, dog owners, trainers, and organizers who actively participate in dogfights face misdemeanor charges in many states. However, animal rights advocates argue this is far too weak given the severity of the crime. They believe only felony-level charges, hefty fines, and extended jail time can deter those profiting from the suffering of dogs.
Yet others argue enforcement, not penalties, remains the real problem. Dogfighting often operates covertly, making it difficult for law enforcement to infiltrate and build strong cases. Even when perpetrators are caught, some judges hand down light sentences compared to the maximums. Unless laws are vigorously enforced and judges sentence appropriately, the threat of punishment alone may not suffice.
Ultimately, deterring dogfighting requires reducing public tolerance and participation. Stiff penalties certainly help by sending a message. But education, outreach, and advocacy may prove more effective at curbing dogfighting over the long-term. A cultural shift regarding the acceptability of dogfighting, not just penalties, is likely needed to end this form of animal cruelty.
Conclusion
In summary, dogfighting and other blood sports are considered inhumane and illegal throughout most of the world, with policymakers agreeing that strongly enforcing penalties is necessary to deter these activities. While some countries have very light penalties, the trend in most places is towards stronger laws and harsher punishment for organizers, spectators, and dog owners and handlers involved in dogfighting. Despite some criticism that these laws are not always effective deterrents, most advocate that continuing to criminalize and penalize dogfighting is an important part of changing cultural attitudes and reducing the prevalence of these sports over time. Increased public awareness and advocacy has also played a major role in this cultural shift.
While views may still differ on the optimal approach, the tide of public opinion seems to have decidedly turned against condoning organized dogfighting. With persistent effort from lawmakers, law enforcement, and advocacy groups, the goal of eventually eradicating these blood sports may be within reach. For the sake of animal welfare and ethical human behavior, punitive measures will likely continue against those who promote or enable dogfighting.