Dog Fighting and Underground Welfare Enforcement

Dog fighting remains active in many countries, causing extreme welfare harms and requiring enforcement approaches that address the entire network.

Key Facts

Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 US states and over 100 countries but continues underground globally
Fighting dogs endure injuries including lacerations, broken bones, and eye damage in each bout
Dogs raised for fighting experience lifelong social deprivation, chaining, and conditioning through aversive methods
Bait animals — often stolen pets — are used to train fighting dogs and suffer severe welfare harm
Law enforcement operations targeting dogfighting rings have rescued thousands of dogs annually in the US

Welfare Considerations

Dog fighting causes some of the most severe animal welfare harms: prolonged pain from fighting injuries, lifelong social deprivation, psychological trauma from aversive conditioning, and for bait animals, fatal attack. Effective enforcement must address the entire network including gambling operations, training facilities, and breeding rings.

What You Can Do

Report suspected dog fighting operations to law enforcement and the ASPCA tip line
Support organizations providing rehabilitation for rescued fighting dogs including Best Friends Animal Society
Advocate for increased penalties for dog fighting that address spectators and gambling operators