Facts about dogfighting

Dogfighting is a brutal blood sport where dogs are bred, trained, and forced to fight. They are pitted against one another in enclosed areas for human entertainment and illegal gambling. It's not only a horrifying form of animal cruelty, but also linked to other criminal activities like drug trafficking, illegal weapons, and gang violence.

Fights average one to two hours, ending when one of the dogs cannot continue. Fighting dogs are repeatedly subjected to severe injury and sometimes a drawn-out death. Typical injuries of fighting dogs include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion or infection hours or even days after the fight. Otherwise healthy dogs who are born "cold" or won't fight are often used to sic other dogs on as training.

Over the years, law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal practice. Young children are often present at these events, which promotes insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and disrespect for the law. Illegal gambling is commonplace at dogfights, with wagers of thousands of dollars at stake. This profitability makes dog fighting commonplace in organized crime settings as well as the streets.

Currently, dogfighting Fighting dogs should be punished by more than a slap on the wrist. It’s not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is an organized and cruel practice. Those involved in these operations go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous and expensive. Making dogfighting a felony means law enforcement officials are able to put in the effort needed to properly investigate.