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

Together, we can stop the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting.

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. 

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

Take a look inside the issue

Every day, Humane World for Animals is fighting to end cruelty to animals. No animal should be made to suffer or die for the sake of entertainment. Dogfighting and cockfighting encourage violence against animals and subject 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.

Learn more
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. 

Learn more
A tan dog sits on a mound of dirt at an alleged dogfighting operation in South Carolina. The dog has a thick, tight collar with a large chain connected to the ground. In the background are blue barrels that he may have used for shelter.

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

This dog is one of over 30 who Humane World for Animals and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division rescued from an alleged dogfighting operation in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, on April 28, 2026.
All Animals Magazine

One dog’s journey through an animal fighting rescue

State law enforcement asked us to help remove this dog, and 33 others, from two South Carolina properties authorities allege were involved in dogfighting.

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Take Action

No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Learn about some of our latest actions to put an end to animal fighting globally and to help protect all animals

Rooster
Put an end to cockfighting

Each year, thousands of roosters suffer in fighting pits in the United States. Razor-sharp gaffs tied to their legs, roosters suffer punctured lungs, broken bones and pierced eyes while fighting to the death. Will speak out against this cruelty and help ensure there is no haven for cockfighting?  

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

Dogs forced to fight for human entertainment suffer horrific injuries and sometimes death.

Other Actions You Can Take

Dig deeper

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.

Our work to end this cruel practice

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, rescue animals used for fighting and more.

 
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

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.

Latest news

a dog on a leash on a chain

Sean Rayford/AP Images for Humane World for Animals

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
Multi-agency suspected dogfighting bust leads to the rescue of over 80 dogs in Florida
FLORIDA—A multi-property suspected dogfighting bust is underway in Clay and Union counties in Florida. Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is assisting
United States
Italian 2026 budget law: amendment proposes 2 million euros to combat animal fighting

ROME—Combating animal fighting is the objective of amendment 42.0.23 to the Italian 2026 budget law, introduced by Senator Anna Bilotti (M5S) and supported by the two animal protection organisations

Italy

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Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals