Even though dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states and under federal law, dogfights for entertainment and gambling purposes still occur in most states. Most fighting dogs have grown up knowing only isolation, abuse and neglect, spending their lives in a cage or tethered to a chain and being injected with steroids to make them stronger and more aggressive. Fighting dogs are often severely injured in combat and many endure a savage death. Others later succumb to their injuries, and losing dogs are often discarded, killed or brutally executed as part of the “sport.” Critics say dogfighting is often associated with other forms of criminal activity including illegal gambling and possession of drugs and firearms. Our Humane Society estimates there are tens of thousands of dogfighters in the U.S., forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to train, fight and suffer each year.

Pending Legislation: H.R.2085 - HEART Act of 2021
Sponsor: Rep. Judy Chu (CA)
Status: House Committee on the Judiciary
Chair: Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY)