Dogfighting is a sadistic contest in which two dogs who are specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight are placed in a small pit (a small arena made out of plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectator’s entertainment and gambling. “Man’s best friend” may fight to the death in dog fights, often with tens of thousands of dollars at stake. Dogfighters sometimes kill the losing dogs, and even the winning dogs may die from their wounds. Life as a dog used for fighting is a nightmare. Dogfighting is a huge problem and it needs to stop. Sometimes as an individual you don’t think there is much you can do, but there is. Humane Society of the United States (2011) says dogs that are used as fighting dogs live chained up or are put into a tiny cage, do not get the veterinary care that they need. They die in the ring or they are unceremoniously shot for losing and some are used as “bait” for other dogs. Pit bulls and dogs that look like pit bulls get a bad rap because of their reputation as fighting dogs. Dogs that are used in dog fights often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after a dog fight. Injuries that are inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dog fights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terrier-type are used in a majority of dog fights. Pit bulls have been specifically bred and are trained for fighting as puppies. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are capable of inflicting severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dog fights often last for up two hours, usually ending when one dog will not or cannot continue.
ASPCA (2010) says issues common to dogfighting cases are: organized dogfights, gambling, drug dealing, weapons offenses, money laundering, children being present and pet theft. Most dogs that have been trained for organized fights are so