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Frequently Asked Questions About Illegal Animal Fighting

What is dogfighting?
Dogfighting 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. Dogfights end when one of the dogs is no longer willing or able to continue. In addition to these dogfights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized, more spontaneous street fights in urban areas.

What is cockfighting?
Cockfighting is a centuries-old bloodsport in which two or more specially bred birds, known as gamecocks, are placed in an enclosure to fight, for the primary purposes of gambling and entertainment. A cockfight usually results in the death of one of the birds; sometimes it ends in the death of both. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour.

What would make an animal fight?
The animals involved in illegal animal fighting are specially bred and trained to be more aggressive. While it is true that some animals will naturally fight over food, territory, or mates, such fights are generally only to establish dominance within a group and seldom result in serious injury. This natural behavior is quite different than what happens in staged animal fights.

Are there other illegal activities associated with animal fighting?
Yes. Law enforcement raids across the country have revealed several disturbing facets of this so-called "sport". Illegal gambling is the norm at animal fights. Thousands of dollars can exchange hands as spectators and animal owners wager large sums on their favorite animals. Due to the large amount of money involved, illegal firearms and other weapons are also prevalent at fights. In addition, law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between animal fighting and the distribution of illegal drugs. And the presence of young children at fights is an especially disturbing element. Exposure to such brutality can promote insensitivity toward animal suffering and enthusiasm for violence.

My neighbor has Pit Bulls. Does this mean they are fighting dogs?
Not necessarily. The presence of Pit Bulls by itself is not necessarily a sign that they are fighting dogs. While the bull breeds are among the most commonly used for fighting, they may also be family pets. However the presence of Pit Bulls, along with the presence of other physical evidence (such as scars on the animals and the presence of animal fighting paraphernalia), may very well be a sign that they are being used for fighting.

Are the dogs involved in the fights the only animals used?
No. Sadly many other animals such as kittens, puppies, cats and even rabbits are used as "bait" to encourage dogs to attack. Often these are family pets that are stolen for such purposes.

What kind of people are involved in illegal animal fighting?
Animal fighting participants cross all ethnic, socio-economic and gender lines. Arrests made at animal fighting events have ranged from business people to the most common criminal. The individuals who attend animal fights are motivated in different ways. It may be to gamble, encourage a friend's or relative's entry, accompany a spouse, enter an animal, or just be "entertained".

Do we have animal fighting here in NH?
Yes, unfortunately, we do. In January, 2002, police raided the home of Christopher Devito in Newton, NH. Forty-three Pit Bulls were taken from the property and a wide array of dogfighting paraphernalia was seized, including steroids, weights, scales, and nearly $300,000 in cash. One of the seized dogs had a misshapen front leg which may have been caused by an untreated fracture. Two puppies from a litter of ten were found dead, and many of the Pit Bulls exhibited scars indicative of dogfighting. Devito plead guilty to 23 of the 37 animal cruelty charges and was sentenced to two to five years in state prison. He also faces a 20-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges that he laundered money made from the sale of marijuana to Massachusetts dealers. This case highlighted the fact that even middle-class suburban neighborhoods are not "immune" from this gruesome bloodsport and the other illegal activities that accompany it.

What can I do to help?
If you suspect that animals are being bred, raised, and/or trained for use in fighting exhibitions, contact your local law enforcement agency, animal shelter, or animal control authority immediately. Don't ever intervene yourself, since people involved in this activity can be quite dangerous. To find your closest law enforcement authority, go to http://www.usacops.com/nh/pollist.html. To find your closest humane society, go to http://www.iamnow.net/nhfho/members.htm.

Source: Humane Society of the United States