Fighting and Abuse
What is man without the beasts?
If all the beasts were gone, man would die from great lonliness of spirit.
For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.
All things are connected.
- Chief Seattle (Duwamish tribe)
"Born to lose: Animals forced to fight. They call it a sport, but where is the sport in watching two animals attack eachother, with often lethal consequences?"
"All cruelty springs from weakness."
Sadly, some heartless individuals who thrive on blood sports started developing some of these breeds for entertainment and greed. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the victim of this sick need for violence, blood, and money.
These dogs certainly don't deserve the bad press and harassment from the public and the media. They have it hard enough in the hands of their abusers. The ones that make it out of that hell need understanding, compassionate, and responsible owners willing to take the necessary precautions to keep them safe and happy.
There is no trust among dog fighters. Before the match, each owner carefully washes the other's dog, not in a quest for cleanliness but to check the opponent for illegal substances. After they're weighed and checked again, the two Pit Bulls are placed in opposite corners of a freshly carpeted ring. The carpet is white, better to show off the blood. Dog fighting fans gather around, placing bets on the winner. They're here to watch two dogs fight to the death. Two dogs, bred to die.
What is dog fighting?
Dog fighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs - specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other, for the spectators' gambling and entertainment. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dog fights end when one of the dogs is no longer willing or able to continue. In addition to these dog fights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized, more spontaneous street fights in urban areas.
The dog fighting pipeline:
Dog fighting is often a fight to the death, where do owners find new fighters? Undercover investigation discovered a big source was the local newspaper. Using code words like "game bred", breeders advertised Pit Bull puppies in the classified section. They also cited bloodlines, authorities say are popular among fighters. When we answered some of those ads, we discovered "game bred" meant "fighting dog". Every breeder told us the puppies would grow up to be fierce pit fighters. One even admitted taking his own dogs to fights in Alabama. When we confronted them, none seemed bothered by the fact that they were helping someone commit a crime by providing the game pieces for an illegal sport. The professional dog fighters usually buy puppies from each other. The fighters who use the classifieds are generally known as street fighters.
How does it cause animal suffering?
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dog fights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American Pit Bull Terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds, and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.
Is it dangerous to people -- especially children & other concerns?
Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal "sport". It is dangerous to people -- especially children. Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence, and a lack of respect for the law. They can be bitten or attacked by dogs used in fighting. They can also be hurt or abused by other people at the dog fights. Illegal gambling is the norm at dog fights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dog fights because of the large amounts of cash present. And dog fighting has been connected to other kinds of violence - even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dog fights.
What other effects dog fighting has on People and animals in a Community?
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people. Children are especially at risk, because their small size may cause a fighting dog to perceive a child as another animal. Dog fighting promotes crime, such as cruelty to animals, violence to others, theft, drug use/possession/distribution, illegal weapons use/possession, and gambling. It also creates fear in our neighborhoods of being attacked or killed by dogs, as well as fear of people who use fighting dogs to intimidate others.
Dog fighting decreases the livability in our neighborhoods because often times, illegal kennels are established to breed, train, and house fighting dogs. These kennels are responsible for odor from feces, and flies, rats, and other vermin attracted by feces and spilt food. These kennels also generate excessive noise due to barking, people coming and going at all hours, and loud music used to "drown out" fighting and training noises. Long term, dog fighting effects the community by promoting a culture of violence. Neighborhoods learn to accept violence as a normal facet of daily life. Often, people feel like "prisoners in their own homes" because they do not feel it is safe to go out into the neighborhood.
Why should dog fighting be a felony offense?
There are several compelling reasons. Because dog fighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dog fighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dog fighting should be punished by more than a slap on the hand. Dog fighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act. It is a premeditated and cruel practice.
Those involved in dog fighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dog fighting if it is a felony. As more states make dog fighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dog fighters.
Do some states already have dog fighting felony laws?
Yes. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state. Check out the laws page for more information about the laws in your state.
Should being a spectator also be a felony?
Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dog fighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this "sport" alive. Because dog fights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance.
What can I do to help stop dog fighting?
If you live in one of the states where dog fighting is still only a misdemeanor, please write to your state legislators and urge them to make it a felony. We encourage you also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dog fighting and to law enforcement officials to urge them to take the issue seriously. Support police enforcement of dog fighting laws. Report all neighborhood nuisances, such as large numbers of dogs, excessive barking, illegal kennels, unusual number of people "coming and going," and abandoned buildings, garages, or lots.
If you suspect that dog fighting is going on in your ownneighborhood, alert your local law enforcement agency and urge agency officials to contact The HSUS for practical tools, advice, and assistance.
Who participates in these "contests"?
There are professional fighters, hobbyist and street fighters. The Pit Bull has replaced the junkyard dog, the Doberman and German shepherd, as the "macho" dog of choice. Ownership of Pit Bulls and Pit Bull crosses has increased especially among juveniles and gang members in inner city settings. The dogs are often stolen or obtained from shelters that lack strong adoption programs.
Profile of a fighting dog:
Aggression toward dogs and other animals.
Communication: Dogs are highly social, with a repertoire of signals that convey their mood and intentions. Dogs trained to fight gain an advantage by not revealing their intentions and by not being inhibited by displays of submission in the opponents.
Attack behaviors aggression towards people: For the most part, fighting Pit Bulls do not cause threat to people. However, there are no uniform standards and there has been a proliferation of "less expensive" dogs who have been subject to even less selection for stable temperament. Aggression towards a person could lead to disqualification from a fight. Excessive wounds and scars - especially around the neck, face and leg are as mangled or torn, ears thick, heavy chains used as collars and/or leashes - used to strengthen neck muscles but may also just be used for "macho" status.
Where do the matches take place?
Dog fighting matches are frequently held in parks, playgrounds and back alleys as a means of increasing image in the neighborhood. Many matches are held right in peoples homes - mostly in the suburbs but in the cities too.
The loser:
If the loser is not killed during the fight, the owner/trainer often leaves him there to die. Some owners take the task into their own hands.
Other crimes involved in dog fighting matches:
Animal cruelty.
Gambling and unreported income.
Theft (animals are often stolen as "bait")
Alcohol sales.
Possession of concealed or stolen weapons.
Publications of underground magazines Used to promote & announce matches
Drug trafficking and possession
Racketeering
The following are many items found at a dog fighting scene:
Solu-Delta-Cortef + Dexamethasone (Azium) (Prednisolone or Flumethasone). Anti- inflammatory/anti-shock injectables. Reduces swelling.
Pain killer (Lidocaine) or any kind.
Vitamin K injectable. Promotes blood clotting.
Lactated ringers + IV catheters & set-ups.
Injectable antibiotics. Ampicilian, Amoxicillin, or plain Penicillin Procaine are used to prevent infection of wounds.
Lassix
Gauze and leg tape
Pound flesh or Caustic powder. Helps stop bleeding.
Albacillin or Baytril.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Betadine
Prepodyne Swab (for ears)
Iodine shampoo or Betadine surgical scrub (for bathing).
Sutures (both silk and gut), Staple gun and Removers.
DermaClens
Granulex Spray
Scalpel and/or surgical razor.
Surgical Scissors
Sterile Gloves
Sterile vaseline or KY Jelly.
Thermometer
Super glue. Used for repairing split ears and tail tips
Leather shoes tring or equivalent to be used as a tourniquet in case an artery is hit.
3 cc Syringes w/ 22-gauge needles.
CytoMax + Canine Peak Condition (or Peak Performance).
Oxygen Setup
Blood transfusion setup.
Epinephrine
