Dogfighting

The Criminal, Underground World of Dogfighting

Dogfighting is a type of blood sport in which dogs are forced to fight one another for the entertainment and/or profit of spectators.

Dogfighting is one of the most heinous forms of animal cruelty. Dogs used for fighting are typically raised in isolation, so they spend most of their lives on short, heavy chains. They are regularly conditioned for fighting through the use of drugs, including anabolic steroids to enhance muscle mass and encourage aggressiveness.

Although dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, it continues to occur in every part of the country and in every type of community. In the past decade, the ASPCA has assisted with approximately 200 dogfighting cases in at least 24 states, and has impacted through rescue, consultations and investigations nearly 5,000 victims of dogfighting.

Fights can happen in a variety of locations ranging from back alleys to carefully-staged enterprises. Fights typically take place in a 14-20 square-foot pit designed to contain the animals. Fights can last just a few minutes or several hours, and both animals may suffer injuries including puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, crushing injuries and broken bones. Although fights are not usually to the death, many dogs succumb to their injuries later, and losing dogs are often discarded, killed or brutally executed as part of the “sport.”

Dogfighting is often associated with other forms of criminal activity including illegal gambling and possession of drugs and firearms. By our estimate, there are tens of thousands of dogfighters in the U.S., forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to train, fight, and suffer every year.

To learn more, visit A Closer Look at Dogfighting.

Help Us End Dogfighting Today

If you suspect dogfighting or other animal abuse is happening in your community, please speak up. Find out how to report animal cruelty.

How to Spot Signs of Dogfighting

It is important to be able to recognize the signs identified with dogfighting so that you can report any suspected dogfighting activity to your local authorities.

If you witness the following signs in your community and suspect dogfighting activity, you should consider contacting your local authorities immediately:

1. Dogs with multiple scars, possibly with lips or ears ripped off
2. Pit bull-mix-type dogs weighing approximately 40-50 lb.
3. Dogs on heavy chains, tethered to a tire axle or dog house/barrel
4. Dirt ring around the dog
5. Dogs chained inches apart from one another
6. Dogs chained or penned in a secluded area intentionally kept out of the public’s view

Keep in mind that in urban communities like New York City, dogs used for fighting are often found living in secluded, indoor areas such as basements, where they are hidden from public view.