“Man’s best friend” may fight to the death in dogfights, often with tens of thousands of dollars at stake. Dogfighters sometimes kill the losing dogs, and even winning dogs may die from their wounds. Police often discover drugs, guns, and even murder in connection with dogfights.
Organized, large-scale dogfighting operations have declined in recent years, thanks in part to The HSUS' work against dogfighting.
Street dogfighting, however, remains a problem in urban areas. Dog owners seeking status or bragging rights stage impromptu fights in back alleys or basements. We are making inroads into street dogfighting, too.
All fighting dogs suffer, whether in the pit or out. Although they are pack animals, an instinct to fight other dogs is bred into these dogs so deeply that they mainly live isolated on chains or locked in cages.
Together we can save dogs from this abuse.
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Going to Animal Fights, Especially with Kids, Should be a Crime
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A new bill in the Senate would outlaw spectators’ willful attendance at organized animal fights and impose penalties for bringing a minor to an animal fight. This bill has bipartisan support, so please take action now.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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May 16, 2013
Congressional Votes on Farm Bill Bring Good News, Bad News for Animals
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in taking up the Farm Bill yesterday, approved an amendment to crackdown on spectators at animal fighting ventures, but also approved a destructive, constitutionally questionable amendment to strip states of their right to protect farm animals and other animals from exploitation and abuse.
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May 9, 2013
Dozens of Dogs Rescued from Suspected Dogfighting Operation in Texas
A joint effort between San Antonio Animal Care Services, The Humane Society of the United States, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and several other law enforcement agencies resulted in the seizure of more than two dozen dogs from a suspected dogfighting operation.
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April 26, 2013
Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Animal Cruelty Bill
– The Florida Senate voted unanimously to strengthen the state’s animal cruelty law, including its animal fighting provisions. Endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States, the bill sends a clear message to animal abusers that they will face vigorous prosecution for animal fighting.
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April 11, 2013
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate to Crack Down on Animal Fighting Spectators
A bipartisan group of Senators has introduced a bill that would outlaw spectators’ willful attendance at organized animal fights and impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to an animal fight. U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Mark Kirk, R-Ill., Maria Cantwell, D-Wa., and David Vitter R-La., have introduced S. 666, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act.
Our Victories
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May 16, 2013
Congressional Votes on Farm Bill Bring Good News, Bad News for Animals
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, in taking up the Farm Bill yesterday, approved an amendment to crackdown on spectators at animal fighting ventures, but also approved a destructive, constitutionally questionable amendment to strip states of their right to protect farm animals and other animals from exploitation and abuse.
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April 19, 2013
Arkansas Legislative Session a Success for Animals
The Arkansas State Legislature passed a number of animal protection bills that were signed into law by Gov. Mike Beebe this legislative session, receiving praise from The Humane Society of the United States.
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April 5, 2013
The HSUS Honors Indiana Prosecutor with Award For Animal Cruelty and Fighting Case
The Humane Society of the United States honored Delaware County Deputy Prosecutor Joe E. Orick, of Muncie, Ind., with the Prosecutor Recognition Award, for successfully prosecuting Rahsaan A. Johnson for dogfighting-related charges.
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March 22, 2013
Maryland Votes For Animals and The HSUS Celebrate Landmark Spay/Neuter Program
Maryland Votes for Animals and The Humane Society of the United States applauded the Maryland Senate and House for passing the spay/neuter bill, introduced by Sen. Joanne Benson, D-Prince George’s County, and Del. Barbara Frush, D-Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, to establish a statewide fund to support spay/neuter services through targeted community grants.
