Dog fighting is a form of bloodsport that generally involves two dogs fighting against each other inside a ring for the entertainment and satisfaction of the spectators and owners. This practice often involves inhumane training system to train the dogs to fight and breed. Although dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, it still takes place in many parts of America today.

The main reason why dog fighting still exists is for money. According to ASPCA, “Major dog fight raids have resulted in seizures of more than 500,000, and it is not unusual for $20,000 - $30,000 to change hands in a single fight.”

As one can see, this wide range of profit attract many owners to get involved in dogfighting. Other reasons include the desire to demonstrate owner’s power and strength through their dog and sale of pups from promising bloodlines bring in thousands of dollars.

Because thousands of dollars are at stake during fights, the training process dogs have to endure is as cruel as the fight it self. One of the main “training device used is known as a slat mill, a dog-powered treadmill often used to make fighting animals firm and fleet” (New York Times). Unlike the treadmills that we see everyday at gyms, some of these treadmills have conveyor belts that are equipped to dogs’ neck so they have to run on endlessly unless they will choke. Another tool used is “a bloodied “break stick”, [which is] a tool commonly used to separate a dog’s clenched jaws” (New York Times). Addition to these equipments, the dogs are commonly injected with legal and illegal drugs to enhance muscle mass and encourage aggressiveness.

From their birth, puppies are raised in inhumane isolation to raise them into fighting machines. The dogs are raised to think that their sole purpose of living is to fight.

And What happens in the ring?The fights can take anywhere from street corners to an actual stadium. In some more organized fights, the dogs are even weighted and measured like an actual boxing match. Usually, the match is between two dogs. At the start of the fight, the dogs are released from the corners of the ring. The fight may last from few minutes to hours. The two dogs charge at one and another with an intention to kill. Although most of the fights do not end in deaths, both dogs may suffer from puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, crushing injuries and broken bones.

Currently, there is a law that prohibits dog fighting through America. Being a spectator is also illegal in all 50 states. However, dog fightings are highly secretive, which makes it difficult to enforce these laws.

<Claire Jimin Park Irvine High School 12th Grade>