Animal Fighting

Abstract

Animal fighting, such as organized dogfighting and cockfighting, represents intentional, severe abuse of animals. Animal fighting is illegal in all 50 states and the federal Animal Welfare Act prohibits animal fighting ventures (section 2156). Still this organized abuse of animals is rampant throughout the USA and rarely occurs in isolation. Organized crime, racketeering, illegal gambling, illicit drugs, and illegal firearms are other types of criminal activity frequently associated with animal fighting [1, 2]. Therefore, it is critical that forensic veterinarians and pathologists possess a basic understanding regarding the animals involved, how they are maintained, trained and/or conditioned, fought and the pattern of injuries associated with these illegal fights.

Animal fighting, such as organized dogfighting and cockfighting, represents intentional, severe abuse of animals. Animal fighting has been termed “blood sport”; however, this activity is not sport but a criminal activity with no regard for the welfare of the animals. Although, dogfighting and cockfighting are illegal in all 50 states and the federal Animal Welfare Act prohibits animal fighting ventures (section 2156), they are still pervasive throughout the USA. State animal fighting laws are generally separate from state animal cruelty laws and can carry stiffer penalties. Individuals can be charged with animal fighting, as well as animal cruelty, depending on the severity of an animal’s injuries (animal cruelty). Organized crime, racketeering, illegal gambling, illicit drugs, and illegal firearms are other types of criminal activity frequently associated with animal fighting [1, 2].

It is not uncommon for animals involved in animal fighting to die. Animals may die as a result of injuries sustained during a fight (more common with cockfighting), but more commonly, animals are killed because of perceived poor fighting performance (more common with dogfighting). A forensic necropsy is necessary to determine and document injuries and cause of death. Accordingly, it is critical for a forensic veterinarian or pathologist to have a thorough understanding of both dogfighting and cockfighting in order to properly recognize, document, and interpret cause of death.