Three Ways to Stop Dog Fighting that Take Three Minutes

Thursday, February 21, 2013 - 11:45am
Dog fighting victim

Dog fighting is a huge problem, and sometimes it can seem that you can’t do much to help as an individual. But there are a few things you can do to stop it now, and we really need your help.

Why? Take it from those of us who have seen dog fighting compounds first-hand: Life as a dog used for fighting is a nightmare.

They live chained up or in a tiny cage. They don’t get the veterinary care they need. They die in the ring or are unceremoniously shot for losing. Some are used as “bait” for other dogs. Some have litter after litter. Some starve. Some go without water for days.

Odds are that dog fighting is happening in your state right now. We need your help to stop it. Give dog fighting victims three minutes of your time?

1. Ask your U.S. representative to support the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act.

The Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 23, would make it a federal offense to knowingly attend an organized animal fight and would impose additional penalties for bringing children to animal fights. Violators would face up to one year in prison for attending a fight, and up to three years in prison for bringing a minor to a fight.

You can help the bill along by contacting your rep. We’ve made it easy at the ASPCA Advocacy Center, and we promise it only takes a few minutes, tops.

2. Download our new anti-dog fighting toolkit for citizen advocates.

If you’re as horrified by dog fighting as we are, and you think you might want to commit more time to stopping dog fighting in the near future, download our new toolkit developed with the U.S. Department of Justice. It’s got everything you need to know to get more involved. (We admit, actually reading it will take more than three minutes, but you get the idea.)

3. Fight Pit Bull prejudice via social media.

Pit Bulls and dogs who look like Pit Bulls get a bad rap because of their reputation as fighting dogs. Fight it by becoming a tireless advocate for them on your social networks. Start by posting the profile of a cute, adoptable Pit Bull-type dog on Facebook (we suggest Pet of the Week Champion) or sharing a happy tail about a Pit.

You can even share the story of a rehabilitated ex-fighting dog, like Ninja or Dragon.

Oh, and of course, a bonus fourth thing you can do: Share this post on your social networks.

Easy, right? Together we can make a huge difference, and to the dogs who are suffering right now at the hands of fighters, it means the world.  

To learn about a few more ways to fight back against blood sports, view our 10 ways to help end dog fighting and get educated about the issue on our dog fighting page.

On behalf of the dogs, thank you!

Tags: 
Advocacy
Animal Cruelty
Dog Fighting
Take Action

Comments

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:54 — Sue (Visitor)
I rescued Henry, a plott hound pittie mix who had demodex and not a stitch of hair on him...he will be my next therapy dog...he is such a lovebug...Bailey, a pittie, was rescued from being PTS at 10 weeks old and is a great little boy. They are 2 of the best dogs. I have a foster, Isabelle, that is looking for a home and she is a great love and a pittie.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:28 — Virginia (Visitor)
Anyone involved or attending dogfighting are without any doubt the scum of the earth.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:30 — Dan Calgaro (Visitor)
Dog fighting is a horrible and despicable thing that needs to be wiped out. A dog fighting ring was recently busted in my area and I couldn't believe the horrific details that were uncovered, I'm a 58 year old man and was brought to tears. The real animals in this are the sick people that perpetuate it, the punishment for doing it or attending it should be swift & harsh.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:31 — D (Visitor)
Any 'sport' where man has the power of weapon and cruelty shows you ashamed they should be to be called MEN. Yes, even fishing and hunting where innocent animals going about their life are shot and killed and their heads hung on walls as trophies, always made me wonder where is the strength or greatnedd in men who do this. Want a sport- go find a match man-to-man and win or lose. Don't use innocent animals to entertain your spineless, loser, demented selves!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:57 — Haunani (Visitor)
I totally agree with you. Hunter's, fishermen, cockfighter's, bullrider's etc. are all insecure ballsless men. How can they be soooo stupid thinking animals don't feel the pain so these assholes can have fun. They should challenge each other instead of killing innocent animals for trophies and stop invading their natural living space with buildings. It sooooo angers me that we have to go to court and fight to stop this. And... maybe the courts will agree and prosecute these sick-oh horrid insecure people.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:31 — Dawn Szczerba (Visitor)
Please help protect those who cannot help themselves to end this cruelty !!!!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:33 — Micheal Moffat (Visitor)
protect life, prosecute those that seek to destroy our shared home and our fellow beings life has value beyond measure Peace and Love *********** WALL OF SHAME ************ ┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬ ┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬ ┬┴┬┴┬┴ The Wall ┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴ ┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬ ┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴┬┴ DEMOLISH ------>>>>> THIS WALL !!!! DEMAND FREEDOM, FOR ALL THE WORLD!!!!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:35 — David Forjan (Visitor)
Any person involved in dogfighting, even as a spectator, should be mandated by law to undergo psychiatric evaluation, at their own expense, in addition to being incarcerated. Because anyone that condones or partakes in such a thing perpetuates more violence and cruelty in society, which makes life more dangerous for me and my dog and my family and friends and neighbors.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:36 — Antonette V Crosta (Visitor)
Dogs are innocent creatures and do NOT deserve to suffer at the hands of heartless idiots. Stop the fighting please

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 23:05 — Jennifer Fletcher (Visitor)
End dog fighting!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:42 — Jean Burk-Ujvary (Visitor)
Education is the key to stop the ignorance of any animal used in fighting as sport. Whether it be a bull, dog, birds it is a culture that is taught that fighting animals is fine and they like it. I hate the fact that humans find entertainment at the expense of an animal in pain. Unless we teach ALL children that hurting animals and each other is wrong we will never be able to solve the problem. The change in penalties and laws can go a long way as a start I hope our politicians will pay attention.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:44 — Rachel Ledesma-... (Visitor)
I have two pits at home. One is a rehabilitated bait dog. The other is a neglected dog. Both are recovered from their previous lives. I post their pictures all the time.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:48 — Sandi Pifer (Visitor)
People that let their dogs fight are ignorant and obviously useless. They should be locked up. And the spectators are just as stupid. How can anyone enjoy watching dogs rip each other apart. My son has a pit bull (a big one) and he is so lovable because he's treated very well. We all love him very much.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:48 — Patti Bays (Visitor)
I have 2 American Pit Bull Terriers.Miracle is 9 years old and Shadow is 8 years old.I have had several pit bulls and they are the coolest!I can not imagine how any one could fight these wonderful dogs!It is very hard to catch them in their cruelty,but the penalties should be very harsh when they do!It is a little mans sport!They should be ashamed!!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 10:56 — Amy (Visitor)
About a month ago we were walking our dog late at night and this pitt puppy came running up behind us out of nowhere. Tail wagging and acting like he just found his long lost buddy. Our dog didnt appreciate him at all at first. We walked for over an hour that night trying to find his home. Noone ever claimed him so we have kept him. We got him neutered and he is now being loved and cared for daily. He sleeps in bed with us and has made a wonderful addition to our home. He coward down to my husband at first but after a few days he holds his head high and wags his tail uncontrollably when he comes home from work. We named him Rusty!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:09 — Patrish (Visitor)
I cringe everything I see Michael Vicks getting kind of good publicity. I believe the law to arrest/charge people that attend these fights is good start. Still many are held in secret. Anything that cause unnecessary pain to animals makes me furious.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:24 — Jamie trinkkeller (Visitor)
Dog fighting is for cowards and people like oh I don't know a football player young and makes millions....small private parts I guess all the money and fame still can't make him feel like a man I guess because he isn't. Dog fighting is a horrible so called sport...it's not a sport it's just evil!!Make it a stiff prison sentence that will take care of it DUH!!!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:26 — Desirae (Visitor)
I think the fighters should be put in a pit with a pro MMA fighter, you know, to get that MMA fighter pumped up and to make him meaner... what I wouldn't give to see that! Animal fighters are some of the lowest forms of scum that society can conjure up, it has been proven in countless studies that people who abuse animals are not above abusing women and children. We shouldn't be putting them in jail for a few years they should have their psyche evaluated to be sure that they are suitable to be released back onto society. I have a rescue pit bull who has obviously been chewed up by another dog, she has the scars on her face and legs to prove it, but despite that and being starved nearly to death she is a very plump, happy go lucky little girl.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:34 — Trin (Visitor)
We have two pit bulls and they are the most adorable dogs. they both sleep with us (husband and me)or with my daughter. Its a good feeling knowing that there is always someone waiting for you at the window every day when come home from work. They are like our babies. they're both Males and get along beautiful. no matter what some people said, As always, dogs are like kids, you have to train /treat them well and they'll become good and a budle of joy. STOP DOGS FIGHTING PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY are God's creations too.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:46 — Angry (Visitor)
Let's get barbaric - Lock the real animals, those sponsoring and fighting the dogs in cages, let the pit bulls fight their sponsors for a few months. Us the sponsors as bait! Then send them to local prison in a 3rd world country to serve their sentences!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:46 — ilona biewald (Visitor)
this must be stopped, dogs are no fightinmaschines :-(

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 11:50 — Connie DeFrance (Visitor)
I find it completely unbelievable that anyone would find dog fighting acceptable for any reason at any time. What has humanity come to when people who should be caring for these animals set them against each other for entertainment purposes. Anyone who finds dogs tearing each other apart entertaining or acceptable at any time, whether an organizer or a spectator, should be fined and imprisoned, and if ever released from prison, never ever allowed to own a pet again.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:04 — Krista (Visitor)
This is a disgrace , it takes years for these people to investigate and which means more animals die and the longer they go on the more people learn about it . If you find a suspected dog fighting please call any one of us - we will get our own people together and then call law enforcement after we're done . These investigations take too long and should be stopped immediately and prosecuted quickly so others get the word out fast that this will not be tolerated. Jail time for all involved no exceptions . Screw the Mike Vicks of the world . If they do these things to animals then they have no care for human life as well - this is a known fact. Take care of this now.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:12 — E. Talamante (Visitor)
We have a rescued pit bull - he goes by the name Nancyboy now. Sweet and affectionate, all he wants is attention. This describes most of the pit and pit mixes I've known. I am more of a Shepard owner myself, but have come to accept the same willingness to please, and an added degree of stubbornness that came with Nancyboy. A louder voice for pit bulls and their attitude could be gained by greater exposure, I believe. Not just posting a sticker or picture (though these definitely help), but by getting pit bulls out there and active in community events. Got an amatuer dog show going on nearby? Take or borrow a pit for the event! A community dog walk? Same here! How about signing up yours or a friends (or even borrow one from the local Humane Society) for agility dog or flyball? Pits are very athletic, and love to do a job! Or even how about starting a local club and attending events together? You don't even have to own a dog for this one! There are so many ways to improve the image of pit bulls, why not try some?

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:13 — Carmen Clark (Visitor)
There needs to be stricter and stiffer sentences for these people. a guy who punches a dog because he is whining because he hurts from arthritis got only 42 days in jail. Dogs and cats are loyal, loving and defend and protect you. noone should hurt any living thing especially for sport. neighbors need to be on watch and should turn them in if they suspect it without any backlash,if they dont then they need to be accountable for it. we need to educate all children that this illegal and how animals should be treated and how they shouldnt be treated. any game that might be sold should never have the violence of any kind in it. personally i feel if anyone who do these acts need to be slapped in prison, chained to a cement floor and wear shirts with their crime on their outfits with a picture of a bait puppy they abused.. shame on you

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:14 — Amy Kennedy (Visitor)
There is no excuse for this to happen. Like others, I say why don't law enforcement 'leak' some addresses or names involved with this nighmare and people like me (and I'm sure many of you)would be more than willing to 'take care' of it. I am a fan of the ol' eye for an eye. If these people were treated like the animals then fought like them maybe the world would realize how horrific a 'sport' it is. I would LOVE to have access to some names and addresses of people in my area. I guarentee the fighting world would see some action-and I don't mean with animals!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:49 — Mary (Visitor)
AMEN

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:15 — Andrea Beyer (Visitor)
THANK YOU ASPCA for telling people HOW they can get involved to stop this HORRIBLE activity. It is so overdue and EVERY individual needs to get involved. That is the only way we can fight this. IF you love on your dog every day, why not care about so many that have no choice but a horrible life of ultimate death.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:21 — Carla Meyer (Visitor)
These animals have a right to live as well and these human animals that use these dogs like this should be put in jail. In the mean time, do everything you can to make it damn hard for these human-animals to put on this dog fighting. Tell the police where it is at. Id any persons who are in these dog fighting games, and get real tough on those who are doing it. For example, five to ten years for every dog that is hurt and killed by these games and I mean in jail.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:39 — Estelle (Visitor)
As long as we have ignorant heartless men in our Government such as Representatives King who fights to let children attend dog fights we have a major problem. Everyone knows low life, drug users sickening people attend these so called events and bring their children. Need I say more. Why aren't the laws against animal cruelty being enforced. Perhaps if we punished people who broke these laws they might think twice but either way we must get tougher and break these up. Support legitimate Pit Bull Rescue groups, we need to take them all in to protect them. Our Pit Bully Mr. B alias Samson is the most wonderful loyal, brave creature you ever want to meet.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:41 — carol (Visitor)
pit bulls make great pets. my friend has a pit bull that is the most kindest, friendielist, most affectionate animal you could ever want. people who harm these animals should be punished severly. they are the most pathetic and noncaring people in the world. they need professional help.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 12:46 — Mary (Visitor)
If it were legal shoot all animal violators. It wouldn't take long to stop animal violations of all sorts.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:00 — Sonia (Visitor)
These people who do this have no heart. They deserve to be locked up. Because they are involved for profits. They should be investigated by the IRS. Some time ago, I read where one operator was also involved with drugs. Animal Cruelty, Illegal gambling, undeclared income, not to mention possible theft of local pets for bait. Then it comes to the spectators, they are the "bread and butter" for these sickos. They should be heavily fined, say $500.00 for attending and given a sanction, "family court", if they bring a child. Children should never be exposed to such horror. If they persist, they will be building record of violations. Just my thoughts. We must do all we can to end this barberism.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:00 — Linda L (Visitor)
I USED TO THINK, take these people,put them in a cage, force them to live the lives/deaths that these poor helpless animals have gone through. How about rehabilitating these people? After all if we don't show them the proper care & respect how will they ever learn? AFTER serving time IN PRISON , there should be MANDATORY SUPERVISED community service to volunteer at animal shelters.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:08 — JENN (Visitor)
Video of a former game dog from Georgia...Happy Go lucky guy who came from a life of hell to a forever home in San Diego, CA. https://vimeo.com/27030594 "Saving Slim"

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:09 — JENN (Visitor)
... Video: https://vimeo.com/27030594 -----

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:17 — Susan Mcmahon (Visitor)
My heart goes out to those poor dogs, How can these people sleep at night dont they have any souls? I wish somebody beat them up on a dailey basis. let them see how it feels.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:20 — S (Visitor)
People who are cruel to animals are five times more likely than others to be involved in abuse of other people.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:22 — Diana b (Visitor)
Dogs were not given to us to give them a slow painful death, all for money. That is called "greed", one of the 10 sins. So, stop destroying God's gift to us. Get a job.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:31 — Blanca arias (Visitor)
Stop this crime and punishthe guilty people

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:32 — Blanca arias (Visitor)
Stop this crime and punishthe guilty people

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:36 — Debbie Persi (Visitor)
I pray that these sick people come to thier senses or they get eaten alive by one of these dogs.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:37 — Edward Peterson (Visitor)
I feel that the punishment should fit teh crime. Most bleeding hearts don't agree with me on this, but I have what seems to me to be a fitting punishment for those who engage in dog fighting. Wrap bacon around the genitals of the subject, put him in an arena with a pack of hungry dogs, then video tape the results for youtube. We can even raise money for animal welfare by charging admission to the arena. And since Michael Vick was not properly punished for his crimes, we can start with him.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:38 — Rosa Sparks (Visitor)
3 years ago my daughter found 4 3 week old pit puppies as she took them to the pund they informed her they would kill them so she brought them home long story short i took the runt he has a over bite and was full of worms and would not eat i named him lockjaw and today he is the biggest scardy cati have ever seen! the other day the broom fell and he about fell over trying to get away lol my point is (IT IS THE OWNERS HERE THAT SHOULD BE CAGED)NOT THE DOGS!!!!! we also rescued 2 dogs from katrina a boxer mixed and an american bull dog (who the original owners tried to make him a fighter)he also is a big baby. We as humans need to stop this abuse it takes a man to stand up and a coward to beat

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:45 — Ann (Visitor)
Criminals that get arrested for dog fighting (or ANY animal fighting) should be given a dull knife and and put into a ring with another criminal of the same ilk, to fight to the death. The "winner" gets no medical assistance, and will continue to fight every week until losing. Works for me.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 13:49 — Heather14 (Visitor)
These poor dogs have got a bad name. My mother and I have had Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers since 1947.known as killers. It is how you bring them up. We gave them and still give love and tenderness and you could not come across more lovable dogs w2ith children and other dogs. These monsters who train pit bulls,staffies etc should be put in the pit against the poor dogs that they HAVE made killers and see how they would like it. Govenments should bring in severs legislation and prison sentences against these horrors.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:07 — Regina Esquivel (Visitor)
People should be put in nail for doping This!

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:10 — Michaela Ufkes (Visitor)
animal fighting rings, it is a felony in 50 states. we should take this further and impose dog support (like child support) on all persons that do harm or create harm on animals for a number of years. and these people should be on a crime list, such as a pedophile list. and no longer be able to control any animal. if a person downloads a photo of a child, or in any way has ANY thing to do with children in a sexual manner. they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. we can take this same care to our animals. if you are downloading, or watching animal violence, or creating or attending the violence to animals you are punished. jailed,and on a violence list, and a animal support system for a number of years that is governed by the state. this creates jobs in many different ways, and creates revenue for the state, and for the abused and homeless animals, and for the medical attention and housing that animal will need, and it will create revenue for officials to combat this crime. this will be self sustaining. Rewording the current child support guidlines, and child advocacy laws would work very well.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:21 — carolyn mulhearn (Visitor)
stop this evil straight from HELL practice.......these people are from pits of Hell and will return to these pits when they die. Pray for Holy spirit to convict each one of them. pray for extremely strict laws to punish.

Fri, 02/22/2013 - 14:21 — carolyn mulhearn (Visitor)
stop this evil straight from HELL practice.......these people are from pits of Hell and will return to these pits when they die. Pray for Holy spirit to convict each one of them. pray for extremely strict laws to punish.

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