Is dog fighting common in the US? The answer might surprise you.
Dog fighting harms tens of thousands of dogs every year and is often linked to other criminal activity, such as illegal gambling. While dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states, it is underreported, and many people don't know what signs to look for. Read on to learn how to spot the signs of an illegal dog fighting ring, plus a few ways you can help end this cruel practice.
How to spot signs of dog fighting
Dog fighting is one of the cruelest acts of animal abuse. Although dog fights are rarely to the death, they can last as long as two hours, leaving dogs severely wounded. Utility workers, such as postal workers and electricians, have the best chance of spotting signs of dog fighting. However, it's possible to see the signs of dog fighting around your neighborhood.
Here's what to look for to spot potential dog fighters:
Scarred Pit Bulls and other dogs on chains: Dogs used in fights are usually kept isolated or in groups on
heavy chains. Dog fighters commonly use
Pit Bulls, but not exclusively. These dogs are generally poorly socialized and will be covered in scars.
Conditioning equipment: Dog fighters will usually have equipment in their yard to condition their dogs for fighting. Items include homemade treadmills, spring poles, and jenny mills.
Fighting pits: Anyone hosting dog fights on their property will have a fighting pit, which is usually a small pen surrounded by low wooden fencing. Look for blood stains and scratch marks on the ground.
Other dog fighting tools: Washtubs, vet supplies, and breaking sticks to stop fights are also telltale signs of a dog fighting ring.
Find out more information on how to spot dog fighting through HSUS'
resources.
How you can help end dog fighting
What can you do to help stop dog fighting? Whether you see a fight in
progress, suspect someone of operating a dog fighting ring, or just
want to help make a difference in the lives of retired fighting dogs,
there are plenty of ways you can help both actively and passively.
Call 911 if you witness a dog fight
If
you spot a dog fight in progress, call 911. As mentioned, dog fighting
is a felony in all 50 states (and it's also a felony at the federal
level), so your local law enforcement will take any reports of dog
fighting seriously.
HSUS
offers a reward of up to $5,000 for any tip that leads to the
conviction of a dog fighter. You can report any tip by calling
1-877-TIP-HSUS. To raise awareness, spread the word in your local
community and on social media. Doing so may spur someone into taking
action against a dog fighter.
Even
if you don't catch dog fighters in the act, you should still report any
dog that's being abused. Consider contacting your local humane society
or animal control if you spot a malnourished dog chained up and covered
in scars (or any other signs of dog fighting listed in the section
above).
Donate to a charitable organization
To
make a small yet direct impact, consider donating to a non-profit if
you're able. Many pet parents choose to donate to large, well-known
organizations, like The Humane Society. Donating to a local non-profit
will also help pets right in your community.
Here are a few more organizations you can support to help end dog fighting:
Signing online petitions is an easy and free way to help end dog fighting.
Change.org has several open petitions concerning dog fighting.
The
Animal Rescue Site by GreaterGood also has open petitions regarding dog fighting. One
example petitioning Google to remove a dog fighting game from the Play Store received over 140,000 signatures.
Put pressure on local and state representatives
Many activists against dog fighting feel that laws on dog fighting aren't strict enough. Dog fighting is a felony under the
Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which can carry a sentence of 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
However,
convicting dog fighters can be difficult due to a lack of resources and
investigative challenges. One way you can help end dog fighting is to
pressure your state representatives to change laws regarding dog
fighting — to make prosecution easier, or punishments for dog fighting
harsher.
We
can rid society of dog fighting for good by working together. Share
this article with friends and family to help spread awareness.