What is dog fighting exactly? A lot goes into it. It's a sport to some, a hobby to others: training one or multiple dogs to fight a one-on-one battle against another dog in a small ring. This activity is done for entertainment, but most of the time it is done for money. Fights can last up to two hours, and typically end when one dog can no longer fight due to serious injuries.
Those who use dogs to fight, otherwise called "dogmen," typically gather many dogs to test whether they are capable of getting in a ring and fighting another dog. It is said that about 80 percent of dogs given this test will fail to do this act. And normally those dogs who do not meet their owners’ standards, will end up getting killed.
The injuries these dogs get are unspeakable. Some are even not able to recover. It’s incredibly sad to know that there are so many dogs out there that are receiving this horrible treatment and have no way to escape it.
Dogfighting is against the law in all 50 states, yet it is still happening everywhere. Not only are the dogmen breaking the law, but the spectators are as well. There’s a black market trade occurring with dogfighting as well. Websites and newsletters previewing dogs, showing off the winners of different fights.
There are steps you can take to help stop dogfighting, and always remember that every little bit helps. You can raise awareness in various ways, you can raise money and donate it to the Humane Society or your local animal shelter, and you can also educate others on this topic. For a full list you can visit, http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/dogfighting/tips/dogfighting_action.html?credit=web_id92404957
You can easily recognize signs of where dogfighting may be happening as well. If you see Pitbulls chained up outside, treadmills placed outside, dogs with scars or other injuries, or if you see something that looks like a dog fighting pit, contact your local police immediately. You could be saving the lives of many dogs.
Something that comes with dog fighting is how the Pitbull breed is portrayed. Pitbulls are very sweet, loving, and caring dogs. Just because Pitbulls are the main breed used for dogfighting, does not mean they are dangerous dogs. It is all about how a dog is raised, and a dog who has gone through the sad life of dogfighting can easily become a loving dog again. The main point, don’t judge a dog breed by a sadistic act like dog fighting.
Back in 2007, Michael Vick was arrested and charged for dogfighting, and that was when dogfighting was really brought to light. That was when many people began to realize what those dogs went through. If you get a chance, and are interested in dogfighting and Michael Vick’s story, I highly suggest reading, "The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption."
Don’t ignore the signs—if you see evidence of dogfighting—report it. You could be saving so many dogs, and giving them a second chance.
