Animal Fighting
To most of us, the idea of a pet somehow getting in a fight with another animal is a terrifying thought, and we go to great lengths to avoid it. Sadly, though, many people take a sick pleasure from brutal, bloody animal fights. As a result illegal animal fights are staged on a regular basis both in the USA and in other countries.
Animals Used in Fights
Dogs and roosters are two of the animals most well known for fighting, but other animals are used as well. In the southern United States, for example, dogs are often made to fight feral pigs. This practice is known by a variety names, including hog dogging (or hawg dawggin') and hog baiting. Another example is badger baiting, a common practice in the UK which involves a dog or succession of dogs (usually terriers) fighting against a badger.
Criminal Activity at Animal Fights
The most obvious crime involved in these illegal fights is animal cruelty, but that is really just the beginning. Gambling, prostitution, drugs, and illegal weapons are all common at animal fighting events. Furthermore, children are often brought in to run bets and exposed to these terrible acts. Children are targeted for this job because police are likely to pass over them in the questioning whenever a fighting event is busted.
What You Can Do to Help
If you learn of animal fighting or any other form of animal cruelty, the best thing to do is to contact the authorities. To find out more about whom to contact and why reporting cruelty is important, read our article Reporting Animal Abuse.
