Dog Fighting

Dog fighting is a contest between two dogs conditioned and trained to fight. The dogs are placed in a pit or enclosed space and goaded into fighting for the purposes of entertainment and gambling. Dog fighting is illegal in many countries, including the United States.

Fast Facts

1. Illegal in all 50 states
2. Felony offense in most states
3. Popular dog fighting breeds:
   • American Pit Bull Terrier
   • Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Michael Vick

Dog fighting garnered the attention of the national media when, in 2007, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury for running an illegal dog fighting ring. Vick was suspended from the NFL and received a 23-month jail sentence for the crime.

Help Stop Dog Fighting

The Humane Society of the United States recommends taking the following actions to help stop dog fighting in your area:

1. If you live in a state where dog fighting is only a misdemeanor crime, write your legislators and demand it be made a felony.
2. Write letters to the media to increase public awareness of dog fights.
3. Request free dog fighting awareness posters from The Humane Society by emailing your name and address to officeservices@hsus.org.
4. If dog fighting is going on in your neighborhood, contact your local law enforcement agency.

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