Dog fighting is an illegal activity in many countries, and law enforcement agencies often record and track dog fighting cases. However, depending on the jurisdiction and resources, reporting and prosecution practices can vary.
In the United States, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act of 2007 (AFSPA) made attending or facilitating an animal fight a federal offense. According to data from the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), there were 175 federal convictions related to dog fighting from 2011 to 2020.
In the United Kingdom, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 prohibits dog fighting and other forms of animal cruelty. According to data from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), there were 100 convictions or cautions related to dog fighting in England and Wales in 2021.
In Australia, the RSPCA Australia reports that it receives an average of over 1,000 reports of suspected animal cruelty, including dog fighting, each year. However, these numbers may not represent all the dog fighting cases in the country.
It's important to note that these figures are based on reported and prosecuted cases and do not necessarily reflect the full extent of dog fighting activities, which can often operate underground. Additionally, the number of dog fighting cases may vary from year to year and can be influenced by factors such as enforcement efforts, public awareness, and changes in legislation.
To help combat dog fighting, many countries have implemented strict penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and animal forfeiture. Additionally, educational campaigns and public awareness programs are important to raise awareness about the cruelty of dog fighting and to encourage people to report any suspected cases to law enforcement authorities.