Celebrate National Dog Fighting Awareness Day Every April 8
Animal cruelty comes in many forms, and dog fighting is one of the more brutal ones. Dog Fighting Awareness Day raises awareness of this “sport” and encourages animal lovers to unite to stop it.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) started this day in 2014 (as near as we can tell).
The ASPCA has been working with law enforcement to close down dog fighting rings and save as many of the dogs as possible. They know just how much we need this day.
Dog Fighting is Animal Cruelty … And More Common Than You Think
Animal abuse is illegal (and dog fighting a felony) in all states, but laws alone can’t stop this inhumane activity.
The operators of dog fighting rings have to be found and charged first. But police can’t arrest dog fighters if they don’t know about them.
And dog-fighting rings aren’t easy to find. They operate underground, making it easy to stay hidden. And to keep abusing dogs for their amusement.
Sadly, because the activity is so well-hidden, many people think dog-fighting is rare. Or that it only happens in certain parts of the country.
It’s not. And it doesn’t.
In 2013, the ASPCA rescued hundreds of dogs from dog fighting rings operating across multiple states. Just one case involved 367 dogs and 3 states. These dogs were suffering in high heat without water or food.
You can read about more recent cases and the continuing fight to end dog fighting on the ASPCA website.
Dogs used in fighting are starved and beaten to keep them aggressive. Dogs that refuse to fight are used as “bait” dogs to train the others to fight.
Dog fighters may pull the teeth of the training dogs so their fighting dogs don’t get hurt during training. They also steal pets to use for training.
Fights are to the death. Sadly, even the winners don’t always survive their injuries.
Scroll down for some ideas on being a part of this unofficial but worthwhile day.
Observing Dog Fighting Awareness Day
You might wonder how you can help, especially since you can’t investigate or arrest dog fighters yourself.
But you can help people realize that dog fighting is more widespread than most people realize. So spread the word. Follow ASPA on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with their latest activities.
Learn more about the ASPCA’s Break the Chain campaign. Consider signing the petition in support of the HEART Act, supporting rescued dog-fighting dogs & helping them avoid additional trauma.
Report any suspected animal abuse you may see. You may just save some lives. And what you see might also be just the tip of the iceberg.
Learn more about dog fighting and the pit bulls usually used in fights. The ASPCA’s page on dog-fighting has lots of good information. Also, breed-specific legislation unfairly targets pit bulls & similar breeds.
Volunteer to help out with pit bulls at your local shelter. Especially if a dog fighting ring has recently been broken up near you, shelters are likely to have a lot of dogs that need a lot of attention before they can be adopted out. You’ll not only help the dogs, you’ll learn to appreciate the breed even more.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, consider a pit bull. But make sure where you live allows it first. (And if not, join the fight against breed-specific legislation).
Teach your children the real value of all animals’ lives. Not the monetary value they have for dog fighters. Rather help them understand how humans, as caretakers of the earth, owe care and respect to all animals.
And the ASPCA offers an online course on combating animal cruelty.
Will you join the fight against dog fighting & help raise awareness of this cruel “sport” this year?
