In 2003, dog fighting convictions increased 400% in Indianapolis/Marion County ALONE. 
You can help prevent this cruelty to animals and other crimes by learning how to detect signs of this illegal activity. 



Although illegal in all 50 states, organized dog fights still secretly take place in many parts of the country. It is popular in urban areas were some dog fighters have formed a strong subculture. Dogs who fight are conditioned to never give up when they are fighting, even if it means that they will be badly hurt or even killed. 

THE LAW... Law enforcement and animal welfare investigators report that dog fighters are often involved in illegal gambling, drug sales and drug use, as well as illegal weapons. Dog fighters and spectators have a history of violent and criminal behavior towards people. The states vary in how severely they treat dog fighting crimes. The 50 states are ranked in six tiers, according to whether they consider each of the 3 offenses a feolony, misdemeanor, or legal. The 3 offenses are; dog fighting itself, being a spectator of dog fighting, and possession of fighting dogs. In Pennsylvania for each offense its considered a 3rd Degree Felony and jail time is a max of 7 years.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR... Dogs used for fighting often times have observable characteristics. Short ear crops, recent or long-standing wounds and abcesses, scars on the head, throat, legs and ears, wide leather or web collars with heavy rings, and puncture wounds and lacerations.

SIGNS OF SUSPECTED DOG FIGHTING INCLUDE... Ownership of several adult dogs and/or puppies that are confined by chains with or without weights on their collars, tires or other items suspended from trees to provide jaw strength, multiple pit bulls in one yard with locked and/or privacy fences, dogs and people coming and going frequently from a site and gathered in "unusual" places such as an abandoned house, empty warehouse, or a residential basement. Also, look for "cat mills" which confines small animals such as rabbits or cats for the dogs to chase and eventually kill.

PIT BULLS... Pit Bulls are commonly used for dog fighting. (However, just because your neighbor owns a Pit Bull it does not mean that he or she is involved in dog fighting!)  Pit Bulls, despite the fact that they were originally bred to fight with each other, they were also bred to be trustworthy and friendly to people. This breed actually earned the nickname "nursemaid's dog" because they were so reliable with young children. 

AT THE SHELTERS... In March 2000, the ASPCA asked representative U.S. shelters about their experiences with Pit Bulls. 35% take in at least 1 Pit Bull a day, and in 1 out of 4 shelters, pits and pit mixes make up more than 20% of the shelter population. New York, Chicago, Boston, Phoenix and Honolulu each saw 3,000 to 7,500 Pits turned in during the previous year. One staff member at a shelter remembers the hundreds of abuse cases that came through their doors. Pit Bulls who had been burned, beaten, and fought with. According to the shelters surveyed, a third do not adopt Pit Bulls out. In some communities it is against the law to have them as a pet. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO... If you suspect dog fighting, contact your local authorities. 

MORE INFORMATION...
-Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to find out what the penalty for dog fighting is in your state and how to contact your legislators. 
-If interested in adoping and caring for American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull mixes visit Pit Bull Rescue Central.
-For information about dog fighting that's written especially for kids, visit ASPCA Animaland.