Dog Fighting: An Education and an Effort to End It

Dog fighting is a cruel and illegal underground sport in which dogs are trained and encouraged to fight to the death. Dogs are pitted against one another for gambling and "thrilling" entertainment. This writer, as well as anyone who truly loves animals, must consider anyone who "gets off" on watching this brutal and inhumane sport to have a twisted mind. Within the United States, there are legal consequences for partaking in the sport. In all fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, dog fighting is considered a felony. Possessing fighting dogs, however, is illegal in only 47 states, with New York, Texas and West Virginia being the exceptions. It is also a felony to be a spectator at a dog fight in 27 states, and a misdemeanor in 21. But what's really bizarre? It's legal to be a spectator at a dog fight in Hawaii and Montana. Mixed messages, perhaps? The convoluted nature of the laws regarding dog fighting continues with The Federal Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits the transportation between states of dogs intended for fighting. It is a regulatory act which, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center of Michigan State University's College of Law, "seeks to control who may possess or sell certain animals and the living conditions under which the animals must be kept." In nature, the act is good; it makes it illegal for anyone to knowingly buy, sell, transport or deliver any dogs meant for fighting, and a crime for anyone knowingly exhibiting or sponsoring a dog meant for dog fighting. With this said, however, the law becomes a bit confusing, as this last mandate only applies if that dog was transported across state lines. Sentences for the crime of dog fighting depend on the circumstances and any evidence collected in each individual case. According to the Humane Society of the United States, in 2007 a dog fighter convicted in Houston County, Alabama received 17 felony counts and a sentence of 102 years. In 2005, also in Alabama, a man who was convicted of dog fighting and possession of performance-enhancing drugs for dogs was sentenced to 40 years. In 2004, another dog-fighter in South Carolina received a 30-year sentence. But in my opinion, sadly, not all people convicted of this terrible crime receive sentences which reflect the nature of this horrendous act of animal cruelty. Thankfully, due in part to the tireless work of the Humane Society of the United States and other organizations around the country contributing toward the abolition of dog fighting, well established large-scale fighting operations are declining. Sadly, however, street dog fighting in urban areas is on the rise. At this time, HSUS is working hard to stop this abuse. You can help HSUS by calling their tipster's line: 877-TIP-HSUS (877-847-4787) with any information about dog fighting in your area (tipster's identity is protected). Additionally, there are other ways to donate. Do you have an old car that is no longer needed? Consider donating it to HSUS. The proceeds from auctioning these vehicles will go directly to the End Dogfighting™ campaign. Contact them at: 1-877-836-6674. Leave a comment with your feelings about dog fighting. Image Source: Wikipedia