Facts About Dog Fighting

NFL quarterback Michael Vick's involvement in dog fighting put the spotlight on the practice, but it is not new. Dog fighting can be traced back to England in 1835 when bull baiting was banned, so people turned to dogs.

  1. Geography

    • Dog fighting is found all over the country in rural, suburban and urban settings, according to the ASPCA.

    Significance

    • Dog fighting is a criminal offense across the United States. Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony in nearly every one.

    Types

    • Dogs used in these fights have often been specifically bred for fighting---some for generations. The Humane Society of the United States is among animal rights groups trying to stop dog fighting.

    Features

    • Dog fights involve putting the dogs in a "pit" or enclosed space. Fights average an hour in length.

    Effects

    • Fights end when one dog can't go on any longer. The Humane Society said dogs often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration and infection.

    Considerations

    • Other animals are used to train dogs to fight. Rabbits, cats and small dogs are used.