A scared, brown dog rescued from a suspected dogfighting crime ring sits huddled inside a dilapidated, wooden structure. A tight collar circles their neck and chains the dog to the their inadequate shelter. The dog peeks out from the shadows.

Kathy Milani / Humane World for Animals

Animal fighting

Unfortunately, the practice of fighting animals is still happens today and is prevalent in certain parts of the world. This horrific animal cruelty could be happening in your own county.

Ending animal fighting

No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Humane World for Animals is working to end this cruelty in all its forms.

Tens of millions
of roosters

suffer in the cockfighting industry every year 

55
countries

ban dogfighting to some extent 

1-2
hours

is the typical duration of a dogfight

Inside the problem

Every day, Humane World for Animals is fighting to end cruelty to animals. Dogfighting and cockfighting encourage violence against animals and subjects them to extreme cruelty. For many animals, the result is an agonizing death.

Dog forced to take part in dogfighting.

Cindy Dent

Our rescue team was confronted with this sad reality of dogs forced to take part in dogfighting.

Dogfighting is a global issue

While the U.S. has passed stronger penalties and seen increased enforcement, many dogfighters have found refuge in countries where laws are lax. 

Learn more
Fighting roosters bred for cockfighting or chicken fighting are in a backyard of a home

Alex Gallardo/For The HSUS

What is cockfighting

In cockfights, two or more birds bred specifically for the purpose of fighting are placed in a ring, known as a “cockpit,” to attack each other for human entertainment and gambling. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour and usually results in the death of one or both birds.

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Puppies before being rescued at a dogfighting operation in South Carolina

Meredith Lee

Rescued from a dogfighting operation in South Carolina.

The horrors of dogfighting

A dogfight can last up to two hours, and the victims may die from blood loss, dehydration, exhaustion or infection. Learn how we worked with law enforcement to rescue 275 dogs and take down an alleged dogfighting operation in South Carolina.

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Cockfighting paraphernalia found during a rescue

Humane World for Animals

Cockfighting paraphernalia found during a raid.

Crime and animal fighting

Organized animal fighting often goes hand-in-hand with a wide range of criminal activity such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling and organized crime. 

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Our on the ground work

Animal fighting spectacles occur around the world. The cruel practice remains legal in some countries. We work to implement legislation banning animal fighting, train law enforcement on how to detect and prosecute fighting activities, and rescue innocent animals.

 
Animal fighting Animal rescue and response
Rescue from alleged dogfighting in Florida

Humane World for Animals assisted law enforcement with rescuing more than 80 dogs from three properties in Florida.

Animal rescue and response Animal fighting
Suspected dogfighting rescue in Indiana

Humane World for Animals assisted the Fort Wayne Police Department with the rescue of 22 dogs and puppies from a suspected dogfighting situation.

Animal fighting
Suspected dogfighting rescue in South Carolina

Help dogs rescued from suspected dogfighting and other animals in need worldwide

Petitions for change

No animal should be made to suffer or die for the sake of human "entertainment". You can help end this by signing a petition today.

Rooster
Put an end to cockfighting

Each year, thousands of roosters suffer in fighting pits in the United States.

A dog is chained up to a tree and looks pleadingly at the camera
End organized dogfighting

Dogs forced to fight suffer horrific injuries and sometimes death.

 30+ dogs rescued from suspected dogfighting in South Carolina

Humane World for Animals assisted the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with the rescue of 34 dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation in Chesterfield County, South Carolina.

Resources for advocates

We bring a broad vision and deep expertise. Learn more about our work to end cruel animal fighting practices across the globe.

Learn how to report animal cruelty, recognize the warning signs, and contact the right authorities to protect animals in your community

Scarred animals, treadmills, wash tubs and drugs can signal dogfighting is taking place at a residence. Here's a resource detailing other equipment and signs to look for.

Chickens at a location where cockfighting took place

Cockfighting is a brutal blood sport that forces birds to fight for human profit and entertainment—often ending in slow, painful death.

Dogs and roosters forced into fighting rings are victims of calculated, extreme cruelty who suffer catastrophic injuries and death for human profit and twisted entertainment. We pass stronger laws, train thousands of officers a year on how to recognize the signs of animal fighting and we assist them in the field when animals need to be seized. Humane World works every day to end the suffering of these animals and expose the criminal enterprises that exploit them.

Leighann Lassiter, Humane World for Animals

A tan dog on a thick chain approaches Humane World for Animal rescuers. He is the victim of alleged dogfighting.

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

This dog is one of 30+ dogs Humane World for Animals and South Carolina Law Enforcement rescued on April 28, 2026.
All Animals Magazine

One dog’s journey

State law enforcement asked us to help remove this dog, and 34 others, from two South Carolina properties authorities allege were involved in dogfighting. Read this dog's story of perseverance. 

Read Now

Latest news

Humane World for Animals welcomes Italy’s provisions for funding care and custody of dogs rescued from dogfighting

ROME, Italy—There is good news for dogs rescued from dogfighting and for the organizations that care for them, in the form of a commitment to fund the costs of the animals’ care and custody. The

Italy |Europe
Humane World for Animals honors Georgia law enforcement leader for combating cockfighting

ATLANTA— Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is proud to honor Jose Ramirez with a 2026 Humane Law Enforcement Award for his steadfast commitment to

United States
Italian 2026 budget law: amendment approved to combat animal fighting

Humane World for Animals Italy (formerly called Humane Society International) and Fondazione Cave Canem, the organizations promoting the “Io non combatto” project, welcome the approval of amendment 42

Italy

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Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals