Introduction
Dogfighting has unfortunately been a part of American history since the early 19th century, when the practice first became popular. Originally linked to bear baiting, bull baiting and other blood sports which had been outlawed in England and parts of the U.S., dogfighting emerged as a clandestine form of entertainment and gambling primarily among working class men. By the 1860s, dogfighting had spread across the country and become a fixture of American culture. Professional dogfighting pits and national dogfighting publications helped fuel the popularity of the brutal sport. For the next hundred years, dogfighting would thrive in the shadows of American society.
Early Attempts to Ban Dogfighting
Though dogfighting has unfortunately been practiced for centuries, efforts to ban the cruel bloodsport first emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s at the state level. In 1897, the state of Massachusetts passed one of the earliest laws making dogfighting illegal. Over the next few decades, several other states including Washington, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Arizona enacted their own bans on staging dogfights as public sentiment began turning against the practice.
These early laws helped lay the groundwork for broader action against dogfighting in the 20th century. However, enforcement remained difficult and many of these state laws had various loopholes and weaknesses that allowed the illegal sport to continue. Stronger legislation and more rigorous efforts by law enforcement would be required over the following decades to make more meaningful progress against dogfighting in America.
The Animal Welfare Act of 1966
The Animal Welfare Act of 1966 was the first federal law in the United States that directly addressed animal fighting. Prior to this law, animal fighting was largely unregulated at the federal level. Dogfighting and other animal blood sports could be found across the country.
While several states had local laws banning animal fighting, there was no blanket federal ban. This allowed dogfighting and other animal blood sports to continue fairly openly, as long as they avoided the few states that prohibited it.
The Animal Welfare Act sought to put an end to rampant animal cruelty and abuse. The law set minimum standards for humane care and treatment for certain animals that were exhibited to the public, sold for use as pets, or used in medical research.
In Section 26 of the Act, a provision was added that made it illegal to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in an animal fighting venture. This was the first time animal fighting was outlawed at the federal level.
While enforcement of Section 26 was initially weak, the Animal Welfare Act laid the groundwork to enable stricter laws and penalties against animal fighting to be enacted over time. It established animal fighting as a national animal welfare issue that required regulation.
Later State Laws Against Dogfighting
In the 1970s and 1980s, more states began passing laws making dogfighting a felony offense. By 1982, dogfighting was a felony in 25 states. In the 1990s, even more states strengthened their laws against animal fighting. For example, Florida made dogfighting a third degree felony in 1992. Oregon made it a Class C felony in 1995. These laws allowed for stricter penalties and enforcement against those caught dogfighting.
One major effect of the state laws was to push more dogfighting underground. With harsher penalties, those involved attempted to avoid detection more than before. Secret dogfights became more common in rural areas and private venues. Law enforcement faced difficulties in infiltrating these secret circles to stop dogfighting rings.
While outlawed in all 50 states today, dogfighting continues illegally. Stronger state laws set the stage for federal legislation to support nationwide enforcement against animal fighting. But rooting out dogfighting completely remains an ongoing challenge.
The Federal Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007
In 2007, the federal government passed the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which aimed to strengthen laws against animal fighting. This law increased the penalties for being involved in animal fighting ventures. It made it a felony to transport animals across state lines for the purpose of animal fighting, with penalties of up to 3 years in jail and a $250,000 fine. The law also prohibits the sale or transport of cockfighting weapons across state or national borders.
Additionally, the law made attending an animal fight a federal misdemeanor with penalties of up to 1 year in jail and a $100,000 fine. This closed a loophole where people claimed they were just spectators and not actively involved in animal fighting events. The law also contained provisions to make it easier to seize animals kept for fighting and to compensate care providers. This allowed law enforcement to rescue animals from fighting operations.
Overall, the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act greatly strengthened the penalties for being involved in any aspect of animal fighting commerce. It provided new tools for law enforcement to crack down on the practice and provided for the care of animals rescued from fighting ventures.
State Laws Today
Every U.S. state now has some form of law prohibiting dogfighting. Most states categorize dogfighting as a felony offense, with penalties including jail time, fines, and being banned from owning dogs.
The specifics of dogfighting laws vary by state, but common provisions include bans on:
- Owning, breeding, selling, or training dogs for fighting
- Betting on or profiting from dogfights
- Attending or organizing dogfights
- Possessing paraphernalia related to dogfighting
Many states also have increased penalties for spectators and those who promote dogfighting. Sentences for violations are typically several years in prison plus thousands of dollars in fines. Law enforcement actively investigates and prosecutes dogfighting operations today.
Law Enforcement Efforts
In recent years, there have been several major law enforcement crackdowns on dogfighting operations across the United States. These busts have involved coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies to identify and shut down illegal dogfighting rings.
In 2009, a major dogfighting operation was raided in Missouri following a long-term undercover investigation. Over 400 dogs were rescued from despicable conditions and 25 individuals were charged for their involvement in the criminal enterprise. The ringleader received a prison sentence of over 15 years.
In 2007, NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s dogfighting operation known as the “Bad Newz Kennels” was raided in Virginia. Over 50 pit bulls were seized from his property and he eventually pled guilty and served almost 2 years in federal prison. The high-profile case brought major media attention to the issue of dogfighting.
One of the largest dogfighting busts occurred in 2013 when authorities cracked down on a major ring that stretched across Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas. Officials seized around 367 dogs and made 14 arrests. They described the operation as one of the “second-largest dog fighting, animal cruelty networks” they had ever seen.
While progress has been made, these examples highlight that underground dogfighting activity continues to persist. However, through better laws, stricter enforcement, and public advocacy there is hope that this cruel bloodsport can be eliminated altogether.
Dogfighting Today
Despite the federal ban and ongoing state laws against dogfighting, the practice remains an issue in certain areas of the United States. According to the ASPCA, there are an estimated 40,000 professional dogfighters in the country, although the number of street fighters and hobbyists likely brings the total much higher. Dogfighting operations have been discovered in urban areas like Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles, as well as rural parts of Missouri, Ohio, and Texas.
Police raids on dogfighting operations still occur regularly, although precise statistics are hard to come by. A multi-year study by the ASPCA of dogfighting cases reported in the media found 497 incidents across the country between 2015-2018. The study documented cases in every region of the continental U.S., with the highest concentrations found in southern states like Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. However, dogfighting networks operate across multiple states, so the data does not necessarily reflect the full geographical spread. The Humane Society estimates there are tens of thousands of active dogfighters in the U.S.
Pit bulls and other muscular breeds are commonly used in dogfighting due to their strength and athleticism. Fights can last hours until one dog is no longer able or willing to continue. In addition to severe injuries, losing dogs are sometimes killed outright by their handlers through actions like drowning, hanging, or electrocution. Matches are organized for spectator entertainment and high-stakes gambling.
Dogfighting has moved underground and online in an effort to avoid law enforcement. Fights may occur in seemingly normal buildings or remote rural structures to limit detection. Details are communicated privately through message boards, email lists, and social media. However, authorities continue efforts to infiltrate these networks and shut down dogfighting operations when discovered.
Efforts to End Dogfighting
There have been significant efforts by animal welfare organizations and advocates to end the cruel practice of dogfighting through education and promotion of humane alternatives. Major national groups like the ASPCA and Humane Society have led public campaigns to raise awareness and push for stronger laws. For example, the ASPCA’s “Fight Cruelty” campaign worked to educate the public, train law enforcement, and rescue dogfighting victims across the country. The Humane Society also works hands-on with law enforcement on dogfighting investigations and raids, provides rewards for reporting illegal animal fighting, and lobbies for legislation.
On the local level, animal shelters, rescue groups, and activists hold community education events, school presentations, social media campaigns, and more to expose dogfighting realities. Their goals are showing youth that dogfighting is cruel and illegal, encouraging the public to report any suspected dogfighting, and promoting adoption of the dogs rescued from fighting operations. For instance, BAD RAP, a California rescue group, made headlines for rehabilitating and rehoming dogs saved from Michael Vick’s dogfighting ring. Their success demonstrated that even dogs bred and trained to fight could become loving family companions when given the chance at a normal life.
While ending dogfighting remains an uphill battle in certain areas, the combined efforts of national organizations, local animal welfare groups, law enforcement, and everyday citizens have made enormous progress through education, advocacy, investigations, rescues, and providing alternatives for youth and communities
Conclusion
While dogfighting has been banned at the federal level and in every state, it still persists as an underground activity. Much progress has been made over the past decades to crack down on organizers and participants in dogfights, but more work remains to be done. Ending the cruel practice of dogfighting requires continued efforts to enforce existing laws, educate the public, and promote compassion toward all animals. With ongoing dedication from law enforcement, lawmakers, animal welfare advocates and everyday citizens, we can hopefully one day relegate the barbaric activity of dogfighting to the history books.