| Sick. Wrong. Inhumane. Disgusting. Evil. These are | | | | carry heavy chains around their necks to increase |
| just some of the words that have been used to | | | | muscle mass. They are forced to endure hours |
| describe the practice of dog fighting. But for so | | | | and hours of strenuous activity, such as walking |
| many Americans, dog fighting is considered | | | | on a treadmill, in hopes this will make them better |
| "entertainment", "harmless | | | | in the ring. |
| fun", and a "chance to make extra | | | | Dog fighters also use bait animals when training |
| money". | | | | dogs for fights. Frequently, these animals are |
| While most Americans had been blind to the fact | | | | caught as strays, adopted from local animal |
| that dog fighting exists in the US until Michael | | | | shelters, adopted from "free to a good |
| Vick's conviction in 2007, dog fighting has a long | | | | home" advertisements, and some are even |
| history in America. Beginning in the 1600's and | | | | stolen pets. These bait animals get their back legs |
| lasting well into the 1800's, dog fighting was a | | | | broken to reduce their speed, and then are used |
| completely legal activity in the US. During the | | | | as practice for the fighting dogs to maul and kill. |
| 1860's dog fighting became illegal in the United | | | | Not only is dog fighting is dangerous and deadly |
| States, but this did not stop the | | | | for the dogs involved, it also poses a serious |
| "sport" but rather caused it to go | | | | threat to the community. Dog fighting rings |
| underground where illegal dog fighting rings were | | | | frequently bring a ring of gang members, drug |
| formed. These underground, illegal rings still exist | | | | users, and illegal gamblers into a community. |
| today. | | | | Frequently children are present at these events, |
| Dog fights typically last about two hours. They | | | | which adds to another generation of dog fighters |
| end when one dog can no longer, or will no longer, | | | | and reduces sympathy and compassion for |
| continue. It is not uncommon for the fight to be | | | | animals. |
| fatal for both dogs, with death coming minutes, | | | | Dogs who are trained to be fighters also pose a |
| hours, or days later, depending on the nature of | | | | huge risk to the community. In the event a dog |
| the injuries inflicted during the fight. Due to the | | | | fighter feels that a police crackdown will occur, |
| fact that dog fighting is illegal, dogs that are used | | | | sometimes the dogs used in fighting are |
| in dog fights are not treated by professional | | | | abandoned in parks and other public areas. These |
| veterinarians for their injuries. | | | | dogs pose a huge threat to other animals and |
| Dogs who have proven to be weak, or are | | | | small children as they often view them as 'bait' |
| deemed the loser during fights, are put to death | | | | and attack them. |
| by hanging, drowning, electrocution, strangling, | | | | Anyone who has ever owned a dog is aware of |
| shooting, or some other terrible method. | | | | the loving nature of the species. For most people, |
| It is not only during the fight that these dogs | | | | the idea of dog fighting is unfathomable. Many |
| suffer. Their entire existence consists of suffering. | | | | charities are set up for the rehabilitation of dogs |
| Dogs that will be used in dog fights are trained by | | | | and a crackdown on illegal gambling rings. These |
| their owners in a variety of methods. They are | | | | sites accept donations and can be found on the |
| starved so they will become mean. They are | | | | web. |
| beaten so they will become tough. They must | | | | |