Dog Fighting Now a Felony in All 50 States

An Animal Should Not Be a Weapon

Wyoming and Idaho have signed legislation making dog fighting a felony in their states. All fifty states now have felony dog fighting laws. Department of Family Services employee Pat McCabe's dog(Mystic) added her paw print to the signed bill in Wyoming. As recently as 1975, dog fighting was only a misdemeanor crime in all states. A study by the Chicago Police Department found a direct connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence. It found that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes have committed serious crimes against humans as well. Attending a dog fight is illegal. Many illicit dog fighting rings are well financed and organized sometimes making it quite difficult for law enforcement agencies to react.

Michael Vick brought much attention to the problem of dog fighting with his hideous actions but dog fighting is still a major problem in The United States. There have been laws in place to safeguard against dog fighting for many years. Even that hasn't discouraged the growth of this cruel sport. The American Pitt Bull Terrier has long been the weapon of choice. The Argentine Dogo has became quite popular in dog fights where the American Pitt Bull Terrier is banned. The dogs involved directly in dog fighting are not the only animals to suffer. Lost or even stolen pets are often used as "bait" and have their mouths duct taped as to not to harm the prized dog fighter in practice. Several "bait" animals also are obtained when a pet lover places a "free pets to a good home" ad in the local newspaper. If a dog is lucky enough to win and not be killed in the ring it is subjected to a harsh life meant to breed viciousness. If a dog is unlucky enough to lose it might still face death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, or even electrocution according to testimony from the Michael Vick trial.

Some people have came to the defense of dog fighting calling it a tradition. Dog fighting has long been a part of American history. The English were quite fond of it during colonial times and dog fighting has continued to flourish since. That doesn't make it right.