Introduction
Dogfighting is an unfortunate underground practice that still persists today. “Pit bulls” refer to a handful of bully breeds often used in these illegal fighting rings. These powerful yet loyal dogs have an infamous reputation largely due to their exploitation. This article examines why certain traits make pit bulls targets, their journey from family pets to fighters, and ongoing efforts to end dogfighting.
History of Pitbulls
The origins of the pitbull breed can be traced back to bull-baiting in England in the 1800s. Bull-baiting was a bloodsport where dogs were bred and trained to bite and bring down bulls and bears for entertainment. During bull-baiting events, spectators would bet on the outcome of the fight.
The ancestors of today’s pitbulls were crossed between bulldogs and terriers to produce a dog that was agile and strong enough for bull-baiting. The bull-baiting dogs that were bred in England were brought to the United States in the 19th century by English immigrants. In the U.S., these dogs were used as all-purpose working dogs on farms and ranches to herd, hunt, guard, and drive livestock.
In the late 19th century, bull-baiting was outlawed in England. Around this time, dogfighting emerged as an underground activity in both England and the United States. Pitbulls were bred specifically for dogfighting due to their strength, athleticism and strong prey drive. Organized dogfighting became a popular underground activity, which continues today despite being outlawed.
Pitbull Breed Traits
The traits and physical characteristics of pitbulls make them appealing for use in dogfighting by those who participate in this illegal activity. Pitbulls have a reputation for being strong, agile, courageous dogs, with very powerful jaws and an instinct for “gameness,” or persistence in the face of adversity. Their aggression, strength, and determination make them favorites in the underground dogfighting world.
One of the key traits that makes pitbulls used for dogfighting is their strength. Pitbulls tend to have very muscular, stocky bodies and strong jaws. They have incredible bite strength, measured by pounds per square inch (PSI), which allows them to inflict significant damage on opponents during a fight. Their bite strength is much greater than many other dog breeds.
In addition to their strength, pitbulls are known for their agility and athleticism. They are able to move nimbly and swiftly, dodging attacks while looking for an opportunity to strike. Their agility gives them an advantage in the fighting pit.
Pitbulls are also prized for their “gameness.” This refers to a pitbull’s willful determination to keep fighting, even in the face of pain or injury. Pitbulls have a high tolerance for pain and a strong drive to continue struggling. The gameness trait is valued highly by those who use pitbulls for fighting.
Lastly, pitbulls are known to be intensely loyal dogs that bond closely with their owners. Unfortunately, this loyalty is exploited by dogfighters, as the dogs aim to please their owners by competing in the fighting pit.
Popularity of Breed
Pit bulls are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It is estimated that there are over 3-5 million pit bulls currently residing in homes across the country. In some major cities, pit bulls make up 30-40% of the entire dog population. Their popularity stems from several key factors:
Pit bulls are very easy to obtain. Due to rampant backyard breeding and overpopulation, pit bull puppies can often be acquired for free or for very little cost. Shelters frequently have countless pit bulls and pit bull mixes available for adoption. Their abundance and accessibility make them an easy choice for dog owners.
Additionally, the costs of owning and caring for a pit bull are relatively low compared to other breeds. Since so many are available, there is little need to pay high purchase fees to breeders. Pit bulls are also physically strong, healthy dogs that typically do not require as much veterinary care. These cheap costs make pit bull ownership financially feasible for many households.
The pit bull’s physical strength, loyalty, trainable nature and affordability has led to an explosion in their numbers and popularity across many demographics in the United States.
Training for Dogfighting
Unfortunately, pit bulls are often trained using reprehensible methods for the sole purpose of dogfighting. Their “training” often involves various forms of abuse to try and make them into aggressive fighters. Some of the abusive training methods include:
– Forced treadmill running to build up endurance and stamina.
– Being placed on “spring poles” and encouraged to latch onto and hang from bite pads for hours to strengthen their jaws and necks.
– Being intentionally starved or taunted to make them mean and reactive.
– Having their teeth filed down or being given steroids and stimulants before fights.
– Being physically struck or attacked to “test” their gameness and reaction to pain.
The desired traits for a fighting dog are aggression, tenacity, endurance and a high pain tolerance. Unfortunately, this means pit bulls trained for dogfighting are subjected to ongoing physical, mental and emotional abuse solely to try and make them vicious for entertainment and gambling profits.
The training regimen involves using progressively more violent methods to pressure the dogs into reacting aggressively. They are repeatedly placed in stressful situations that trigger their fight drive, and any hesitance or gentleness is “trained” out through abuse. The process is designed to strip away any docile tendencies and turn them into detached, robotic fighters.
This inhumane treatment inflicts devastating psychological damage to pit bulls, forcing them to become hyper-aggressive against their nature. Dogfighting destroys pit bulls’ innate trust while cultivating violent tendencies, all for the purposes of cruel entertainment and illegal gambling profits. It is unacceptable in a compassionate society.
Underground Dogfighting Industry
While dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in most, an underground network still exists across the country. Authorities estimate tens of thousands of people are involved in illegal dogfighting, though the nature of the activity makes it difficult to accurately track.
Dogfighting hotspots tend to be found in urban areas like Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Rural areas are also common for hosting dogfights, where they can occur with less risk of detection. Major dogfighting operations have been uncovered in states like Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma.
The industry brings in millions each year through betting, stud fees, and admission fees to the fights. Top fighting dogs can be worth $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Breeders can charge $1,500 to $2,000 just for stud services. Big events with dozens of fights can generate over $500,000 in wagers. For organizers and top breeders, dogfighting can be a major but illicit source of income.
Mental Effects on Dogs
When pitbulls are trained to fight, it causes trauma and severe mental health consequences. According to animal behavior studies, they endure abuse and pain during training that conditions them to be violent.
Dogs bred and trained to fight experience tragic mental effects from the cruelty. They are subjected to trauma like starvation, beatings, and harsh punishment. This conditions them to become aggressive due to fear.
Furthermore, they are isolated from positive interactions and only allowed contact with their abusive handlers. This social deprivation creates psychological damage. The dogs can become emotionally unstable and reactive.
In summary, the inhumane training methods psychologically harm pitbulls forced to fight. They endure trauma and abusive conditioning that mentally scars them.
Efforts to Stop Dogfighting
There have been many efforts to stop the cruel practice of dogfighting. Animal rights organizations have led public campaigns to raise awareness and push for stronger legal consequences. For example, the ASPCA runs advertisements against dogfighting and lobbies politicians for harsher laws. The Humane Society also educates the public about identifying and reporting dogfighting operations.
However, law enforcement faces challenges in investigating and prosecuting dogfighting rings, which operate covertly. Dogfights usually happen in secret locations and organizers take steps to avoid detection. It can be difficult for police to find enough evidence for convictions. When they do make arrests, the penalties are often weak compared to the immense animal cruelty involved.
But punishment for dogfighting has increased over the years. It is now a felony in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Convictions can lead to years in prison, major fines, and bans on owning animals. While laws are still uneven across different states, the overall legal consequences have become more stringent. This sends a message that dogfighting will not be tolerated.
Stronger legal deterrents, combined with education and advocacy, offer hope of curbing dogfighting in the long run. But completely eradicating the problem requires continuing vigilance and commitment from law enforcement, policymakers, and the public.
Adoption and Rehabilitation
Despite their unfortunate histories, many pitbulls rescued from dogfighting operations do get a chance at a better life. There are rescue programs and shelters specifically focused on rehabilitating fighting dogs and finding them loving forever homes.
With proper care, patience, training and socialization, many former fighting pitbulls can go on to live happy lives as family pets. While they may still struggle with lingering effects from trauma, abuse or genetics, rescue stories show it is possible for them to adapt and overcome.
However, the road to rehabilitation is not always smooth. Groups caring for fighting dogs note there are still many hurdles when it comes to changing temperament and behaviors. Dogs bred and conditioned to be aggressive may never fully “unlearn” those tendencies. Adopters must be prepared for the possibility of ongoing difficulty with socialization, handling, separation anxiety and sensitivity to stress.
Overall, while rescued fighting dogs present challenges, they also demonstrate how resilient dogs can be. With time, training and love, even dogs bred for violence can become loving companions. Adoption provides them a chance at the life they deserve.
Conclusion
In summary, pit bulls have natural traits that unfortunately make them attractive for the underground dogfighting industry. Their strength, agility, and loyalty can be exploited for violence. However, pit bulls themselves are not inherently dangerous. With proper training and socialization, they can make wonderful pets and companions.
The best way to combat dogfighting is to spread awareness, support rescue organizations, advocate for stronger laws, and give pit bulls a chance at adoption. These dogs deserve loving homes, not lives of abuse. If we work together, dogfighting can become a thing of the past.
The key takeaway is that breeds are not born aggressive or dangerous. With care, training, and environment, all dogs have potential for good.
Now it’s up to each of us to fight against animal cruelty and give pit bulls an opportunity to live free from harm. Please consider supporting or volunteering with an anti-dogfighting organization today.