Dog fighting in only happens in the inner city or someplace so rural you’d never see it. Right?  Wrong.

Lake Oswego, Oregon is a nice community, a place where kids go to college and parents earn enough to send them.  Former Portland Trail Blazer Qyntel Woods lived and fought dogs there.  His secret came to light when authorities discovered his Pit Bull, Hollywood, wounded and abandoned.  Woods lost his contract. His animals lost much more.

In the suburbs of Chicago, Baltimore, in fact, most American cities, a culture of dog fighting simmers.  Because you’ll think of Former Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick, who was sentenced to a prison for his role in a dog fighting scheme, you might wonder if dog fighting is the special province of professional athletes. No. The ASPCA says, “There are people who promote or participate in dog fighting from every community and background.Audiences contain lawyers, judges and teachers drawn in by the excitement and thrill of the blood sport.”

How does a suburban family recognize signs of dog fighting and what should you do if you see the signs?

Fighting Dogs

The breed or type of dog is not a sign the owner participates in dog fighting.  Dogs like Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or American Pit Bull Terriers may be trained to fight, although other large breeds are also used.  Fighting dogs often are seen with short ear crops, recent wounds and abscesses, or scars on head, throat, legs and ears.  These dogs frequently wear collars made of wide leather or web with heavy rings.

Training Equipment

Fight-dog training requires strength.  Notice dogs with weights on their collars.  Jaw-strengthening exercise involves tires or other items suspended from trees or pipes.  Treadmill exercise conditions dogs and a treadmill-like device called a "cat mill" confines a cat or other “bait” for dogs to chase.  Often, live bait animals including cats, dogs, and rabbits are caged at the training site.

Traffic Related to Dog Fights

Men and women of all ages come and go from dog fights, sometimes bringing dogs.  Fight spectators and organizers often bring their children. Dog fighting occurs year round in city or suburban homes with basements, vacant garages, farmhouses or barns. Organizers create a party atmosphere where spectators cheer for the dog they bet on.  Gambling and drug use go hand-in-hand with the fights. Growling and barking can sometimes be heard from outside.

What to do?

You need to report your concerns about fighting or training of fighting dogs to your county animal services or humane society. Be sure to keep your own pets inside until you know for sure; they maybe at risk as potential bait animals or from dogs who escape their own yards. Call your local police department if you need immediate assistance.

If you suspect that dog fighting is taking place in your neighborhood, do not approach or confront the organizers or participants.  Dog fighters often associate with dangerous people who may be armed.

Share Your Stories

Please share your stories about dog fighting in suburbia.  I’d love to hear from you about what you’ve seen and heard.  Please email me your story at stories@petside.com.

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