Two dogs fighting

Dog fighting is a physical fight between canines, sometimes involving the pitting of two dogs against each other for the entertainment of spectators, and for the purpose of gambling. It is considered by some to be a sport, as the dogs are judged on their wrestling, bite and gameness while onlookers root and place bets. Dog fighting is accepted in some countries but is illegal within the United States, United Kingdom and other countries. Dog fighting most recently received national attention in the United States due to the involvement of Atlanta Falcons football star Michael Vick . Fight trainers are referred to as "Dog Men" or "Dog Women."^[1] Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Caravaggio, The Cardsharps, c. ... Bet may refer to: Look up bet in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... City Atlanta, Georgia Team colors Black, Red, and White Head Coach Bobby Petrino Owner Arthur Blank General manager Rich McKay Mascot Freddie Falcon League/Conference affiliations National Football League (1966–present) Eastern Conference (1966) Western Conference (1967-69) Coastal Division (1967-1969) National Football Conference (1970-present) NFC West (1970... United States simply as football, is a competitive team sport that is both fast-paced and strategic. ... Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football quarterback for the National Football Leagues Atlanta Falcons franchise. ...

Origins of domestic breeding

As with all domestic dogs, the ancestors of all breeds were wolves. The foundation breed of the fighting dog was, in its outward appearance, a large, low, heavy breed with a powerful build and strongly developed head. Wolves may refer to: Gray Wolf Other uses of Wolf: see Wolf (disambiguation) Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Category: ...

Dog breeding in its earliest stages was carried out systematically, with the desire for specialization. It is believed that the development of individual breeds took place in narrow geographic areas, corresponding to the performance required in these regions. Selection for performance, complemented by the breeding for suitable body forms, leads to the formation of breeds. The task of the fighting dog demanded specific basic anatomical traits and temperamental features. The anatomy of the fighting dog requires an imposing outward form to instill fear, with the foundation breed naturally large, low-slung, heavy, powerfully built, with a strongly developed head, powerful biting apparatus and a threatening voice. The goal is to breed a dog that will attack animals but is docile and affectionate toward humans. All breeds with a character suitable for protecting humans and fighting wild animals may be considered for dogfighting.Special attention is often given to the Pit-Bull Terrier or Mastiff. Dog breeding is the vocation of mating carefully selected specimens to produce specific qualities and characteristics. ...

Domestication of old fighting breeds

Many breeds that were once associated with dog fighting have been developed into excellent family and show dogs. Pure breeds such as the English Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier were popular as fighting dogs, but were originally developed as bait dogs. Other pure breeds including the Irish Terrier, the bulldog, the Kerry Blue Terrier and the Parson Russell Terrier were used for fighting along side their original use in vermin control and other farm work. This article does not cite any references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Contemporary picture of Bull-baiting Bait or Baiting is the act to worry or torment a chained or confined animal by setting dogs upon it for sport. ... The Irish Terrier is a dog breed from Ireland, one of many breeds of Terrier. ... For other uses, see Bulldog (disambiguation). ... This article cites very few or no references or sources. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

History

Dog fighting has been documented in the recorded history of many different cultures, and is presumed to have existed since the initial domestication of the species. Many breeds have been bred specifically for the strength, attitude, and physical features that would make them better fighting dogs. Ancient history is from the period of time when writing and historical records first appear, roughly 5,500 years before the Common Era. ... For other uses, see Culture (disambiguation). ...

Scholars speculate that large-scale human migration, the development of trade, and gifts between royal courts of valuable fighting dogs facilitated the spread of fighting dog breeds. There are many accounts of military campaigns which utilized fighting dogs, as well as royal gifts in the form of large dogs.

Blood sports involving the baiting of animals has occurred since antiquity, most famously at the Colosseum in Rome during the reign of the Roman Empire. However, in contemporary times, it is most associated with the English, who pursued it with utmost earnestness, which was barely known elsewhere in the world. For over six hundred years the pastime flourished, reaching the peak of its popularity during the sixteenth century. The various animal types involved in the bait allowed for the breed specialization and basic anatomical forms of fighting dogs, which we see today. Bull fighting is an example of a modern blood sport. ... The Colosseum by night: exterior view of the best-preserved section. ... The Roman Colosseum Rome (Italian and Latin Roma) is the capital city of Italy, and of its Lazio region. ... For other uses, see Roman Empire (disambiguation). ... This article is about the English as a nation. ... (15th century - 16th century - 17th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 16th century was that century which lasted from 1501 to 1600. ...

Dog fighting has been popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world.

Japan

Dog fighting began in Japan before the end of the Kamakura period. According to historical documents, Hōjō Takatoki, the 14th shikken (shogun's regent) of the Kamakura shogunate was known to be obsessed with dog fighting, to the point where he allowed his samurai to pay taxes with dogs. At this time, dog fighting was called inuawase. The following text needs to be harmonized with text in the article History of Japan#Kamakura Period. ... Hōjō Takatoki (北条高時)(1303-23 May 1333) was the last shikken (regent) of Japans Kamakura shogunate; a member of the Hōjō clan, he was the son of Hōjō Sadatoki, and was preceded as shikken by Hōjō Morotoki. ... Shikken (執権) was the regent of the shogun in the Kamakura shogunate in Japan. ... Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate Shōgun )   is supreme general of the samurai,a military rank and historical title in Japan. ... This wooden Kongorikishi statue was created during the Kamakura shogunate during 14th century Japan. ... For other uses, see Samurai (disambiguation). ...

Dog fighting was considered a way for the Samurai to retain their aggressive edge during peaceful times. Several daimyo, such as Chosokabe Motochika and Yamauchi Yodo, both from Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture), were known to encourage dog fighting. Dog fighting was also popular in Akita Prefecture, which is the origin of the Akita breed. Daimyo Matsudaira Katamori visits the residence of a retainer. ... Chosokabe Motochika (1539-1599)(長宗我部元親) Chosokabe Motochika, the eldest son of Chosokabe Kunichika, being born at the Oko Castle. ... The article incorporates text from OpenHistory. ... Kōchi Prefecture ) is located on the south coast of Shikoku, Japan. ... Akita Prefecture ) is located in the Tōhoku Region of northern Japan. ... ‹ The template below is being considered for deletion. ...

Dog fighting evolved in Kochi to a form that is called Tōken (闘犬). Under modern rules, dogs fight in a fenced ring until one of the dogs barks, yelps, or loses the will to fight. Owners are allowed to throw in the towel, and matches are stopped if a doctor judges it is too dangerous. Draws usually occur when both dogs won't fight or both dogs fight until the time limit. There are various other rules, including one that specifies that a dog will lose if it attempts to copulate. Champion dogs are called yokozuna, as in sumo. With generic animal protection laws in place, dog fighting is not specifically banned in Japan, except in Tokyo, and can be seen in Kochi. Currently, most fighting dogs in Japan are Tosa, which is a breed that was developed in Kochi.^[2] Dog fighting does not have strong links to gambling in Japan. A pair of lions having sexual intercourse in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. ... Makuuchi (幕内 )) or makunouchi (幕の内 )), is the top division of professional sumo. ... For other uses, see Sumo (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... The Tosa is a breed of dog of Japanese origin that is considered rare. ...

Latin America

Dog fighting is widely practiced in much of Latin America, especially in Argentina, Colombia and many parts of Brazil. The Dogo Argentino is by far the most common breed involved in the bloodsport. The Fila Brasileiro is also used, but rarely. The American Pit Bull Terrier is another breed that is commonly involved in dog fighting circuits. The Dogo Cubano and dogo cordoba were used for fighting a century ago, but have become extinct. Common nickname Dogo Country of origin Argentina Classification and breed standards The Dogo Argentino (or Argentinian Mastiff) is a large, white, muscular, and courageous dog that was developed in Argentina for big game hunting. ... The Fila Brasileiro (or Brazilian Mastiff) is a large working breed of dog developed in Brazil. ... The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed of dog in the terrier group, one of several breeds loosely classified as pit bulls. ... Dogo Cubano is an extinct breed of dog. ...

North America

Main article: Dog fighting in the United States

Dog fighting is illegal in all North American countries. Dog fighting in the United States is an illegal and controversial criminal activity in the United States. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ...

According to a study by the College of Law of the Michigan State University published in 2005, in the United States, dog fighting was once completely legal and was sanctioned and promoted during the colonial period (1600s through 1776) and continuing through the Victorian era in the late 19th century. However, by the early twentieth century, the brutality inherent in dog fighting was no longer tolerated by American society. It has become increasingly outlawed, a trend which has continued into the 21st century.^[3] Michigan State University (MSU) is a co-educational public research university in East Lansing, Michigan USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act. ...

As of 2007, dog fighting is a felony in 48 states and a misdemeanor in Idaho and Wyoming. In most states, it is against the law (and often a felony) to even attend a dog fighting event, regardless of direct participation. According to authorities, dog fighting is increasingly practiced by gangs, and is linked to other unlawful activities, such as gambling.^[4] For the record label, see Felony Records The term felony is a term used in common law systems for very serious crimes, whereas misdemeanors are considered to be less serious offenses. ... A misdemeanor, or misdemeanour, in many common law legal systems, is a lesser criminal act. ... Official language(s) English [1] Capital Boise Largest city Boise Largest metro area Boise metropolitan area Area  Ranked 14th  - Total 83,642 sq mi (216,632 km²)  - Width 305 miles (491 km)  - Length 479 miles (771 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Cheyenne Largest city Cheyenne Area  Ranked 10th  - Total 97,818 sq mi (253,348 km²)  - Width 280 miles (450 km)  - Length 360 miles (580 km)  - % water 0. ...

Despite legality issues, dogs are still commonly used for fighting purposes all across the continent. The American Pit Bull Terrier is the most popular breed used for fighting, but foreign breeds, such as the Dogo Argentino (used widely in South America) and Presa Canario (used in Spain) are also gaining popularity. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a breed of dog in the terrier group, one of several breeds loosely classified as pit bulls. ... Common nickname Dogo Country of origin Argentina Classification and breed standards The Dogo Argentino (or Argentinian Mastiff) is a large, white, muscular, and courageous dog that was developed in Argentina for big game hunting. ... The Perro de Presa Canario is a Molosser type dog from the Canary Islands. ...

India

Dog fighting is widely practiced throughout rural India. Indian feudal lords take pride in pitting their dogs against a rival's, or they make the dogs fight with bears. However, dog fighting is illegal as defined by Indian law. In addition, it is illegal to possess dogfighting materials such as videos, or to attend an event that subjects an animal to cruel treatment. But since bribery is a common practice, many Indian officials prefer to take money instead of prosecuting animal cruelty. For other uses, see Law (disambiguation). ...

Russia

Although animal cruelty laws exist in Russia, dog fighting is widely practiced. Laws prohibiting dogfights have been passed in certain places, and in others dogfights are legally held under the supervision of the All-Russian Association of Russian Volkodavs. Temperament tests, which are a common and relatively mild form of dog fighting used for breeding purposes, are fairly commonplace. ^{[citation needed]}

United Kingdom

During the time of Roman Britain, there were Pugnaces Britanniae or war dogs, mostly used in battle but later used for dog fighting contests in the amphitheatre. As early as 1154, in the reign of Henry II, bull-baiting and bear-baiting with dogs was a popular amusement. Roman Britain refers to those parts of the island of Great Britain controlled by the Roman Empire between 43 and 410. ... Pugnaces Britanniae (Latin, or War Dog of Britain) is an extinct breed of dog. ... A US Air Force dog atop an M2A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq in 2007. ... The Colosseum in Rome, Italy. ... Henry II of England 5 March 1133 – 6 July 1189) ruled as King of England (1154–1189), Count of Anjou, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Count of Nantes, Lord of Ireland and, at various times, controlled parts of Wales, Scotland and western France. ... Bull-baiting is a blood sport involving the baiting of bulls. ... Bear_baiting in the 18th century, engraving, 1796 Bear_baiting is a blood sport that was a popular entertainment from at least the 11th century in which a bear is secured to a post and then attacked by a number of dogs. ...

Breeding allowed for a specialized breed in the form of the now extinct original Old English Bulldog. The contemporary recreation of the breed is called the Olde English Bulldogge. The Old English Bulldog is for all intents and purposes an extinct breed of dog. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 in the United Kingdom was the first legislation in the world that made dogfighting illegal; however, it continued in London long after and continues to occur in rural areas of the United Kingdom. Dog fighting is now illegal in all first world countries and many third world countries. However, dog fighting still occurs across the globe. To combat dog fighting the designation of so-called dangerous dog breeds, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been passed. For those interested in fighting dogs, outlawing their specific breeds encourages them to find substitute breeds suitable for fighting forces them to take their breeds out of the public eye. The Cruelty to Animals Act 1835 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom (citation 5 & 6 Will. ... For other uses, see World (disambiguation). ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... The terms First World, Second World, and Third World were used to divide the nations of Earth into three broad categories. ... For the Jamaican reggae band, see Third World (band). ... Breed-specific legislation (BSL) is any law, ordinance or policy which pertains to a specifically named breed or breeds, but does not affect any others. ...

Despite periodic dog-fight prosecutions, the illegal canine pit battles continued. Sporting journals of the 18th and 19th centuries depict the Black Country and London as the primary English dog fight centres of the period. Dog fighting was also practiced in many areas of Ireland. The Black Country is a loosely-defined area of the English West Midlands conurbation, to the north and west of Birmingham, and to the south and east of Wolverhampton, around the South Staffordshire coalfield. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ...

Dog fighting is still popular in certain areas of England, with a large underground following. Largely as the result of attacks on children, police have increased enforcement activities.

Impacts upon modern society

In the 20th and 21st centuries, dog fighting has increasingly become an unlawful activity in most of the world. The reasons fall into several broad categories, and each have motivated constituencies in many areas. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ...

Animal welfare and rights

Animal advocates consider dog fighting to be one of the most serious forms of animal abuse, not only for the violence that the dogs endure during and after the fights, but because of the suffering they often endure in training. At least one major study alleges that the prevailing mind set among dog fighters is that, the more the dog suffers, the tougher he will become, and the better fighter he will therefore be. ^{[citation needed]} Cruelty to animals refers to treatment which causes unacceptable suffering to animals. ...

In addition to the controversial treatment a dog receives when he has potential as a fighter, according to a filing in U.S. District Court in Richmond by federal investigators in Virginia, which was obtained under the Freedom of Information Act and published by the Baltimore Sun on July 6, 2007, a losing dog or one whose potential is considered unacceptable faces "being put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method".^[5] Nearly sixty countries around the world have implemented some form of freedom of information legislation, which sets rules on governmental secrecy. ... The Baltimore Sun is the major newspaper in Baltimore, Maryland, with a daily press run of about 430,000 copies, and a Sunday run of 540,000 copies. ...

Bait animals

"Bait" animals are used to test a dog's fighting instinct, and these animals are often mauled or killed in the process. ^{[citation needed]} Trainers obtain bait animals from several sources: wild or feral animals, animals obtained from a shelter, or in some cases, stolen pets.^[6] According to news reports compiled by the National Humane Society, the snouts of bait dogs are wrapped with duct tape to prevent them from injuring pit bulls being trained for fighting. Other animals, such as cats and rabbits are also reported to be used as bait animals. ^{[citation needed]} Experts have said small dogs, kittens, and rabbits are more at risk of being stolen for bait than larger animals. ^{[citation needed]}

National Geographic noted that there are no statistics on how many pets are taken and used as bait by dog fighting rings each year. Patricia Wagner, head of the National Illegal Animal Fighting Task Force for the Humane Society of the United States, offered the statement "I think every state has a problem with it, whether they know it or not."^[7]

Public danger

Animal advocates say that there is a public safety issue associated with training dogs to be aggressive fighters, because if let loose these dogs might attack and kill humans. There have been numerous incidents over the years in which dogs trained for the fighting ring have mauled people. ^{[citation needed]}

If a dog trained for the dogfighting ring does not suffer its death while in such service, a rehabilitation to become a pet is usually not practical or even feasible. Following the seizure of a large number of dogs in an April 2007 dog fighting case in Mississippi, Tara High, executive director of the Humane Society of South Mississippi said "The reality is that they've been used for entertainment. It's quite tragic for those of us that are kind of left to deal with it and the reality that these animals aren't going to be able to be rehabilitated," she said. Ms. High compared the animals to "a loaded weapon. And not something we feel very comfortable letting out into the community."^[8] This article is about the U.S. state. ...

Social impact, gang and criminal activities

In places where dog fighting is outlawed, its clandestine culture is believed to be directly related to other crimes and to community violence. Peripheral criminal activities that sometimes occurs at a dog fight include gambling, racketeering, drug distribution, and gang violence. As with other criminal enterprises, communities often suffer from the unlawful activities occurring in their neighborhoods. ^[9]

Animal advocates also cite desensitization to violence and animal cruelty as an unwelcome corollary of dog fighting, particularly among child spectators. ^[10]

On August 27, 2007 professional American football player Michael Vick pled guilty to felonious charges of running a dogfighting ring.^[11] Vick joined three others who had pleaded guilty earlier to federal felony charges for running a competitive dogfighting ring called "Bad Newz Kennels" over a period of 6 years. The case drew widespread publicity in the United States owing to Vick's fame, his image as a role model, and certain gruesome details of the operation, including how underperforming dogs were executed via means such as electrocution and hanging. The related unlawful gambling he funded was especially objectionable to his professional football league's Player Code of Conduct. The four co-defendants face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 plus restitution. It is also likely that Vick will forfeit ownership of the $700,000 15-acre estate in Surry County, Virginia which was developed for the enterprise. A Virginia grand jury will meet to consider additional state charges on September 25. is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... Michael Dwayne Vick (born June 26, 1980 in Newport News, Virginia) is an American football quarterback for the National Football Leagues Atlanta Falcons franchise. ... For the record label, see Felony Records The term felony is a term used in common law systems for very serious crimes, whereas misdemeanors are considered to be less serious offenses. ... The Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation began in April 2007 with a search of property in Surry County, Virginia owned by Atlanta Falcons football quarterback Michael Vick, and the subsequent discovery of evidence inculpating several individuals of dog fighting. ... Don Imus, The term role model was introduced by Robert K. Merton[1]. Merton says that individuals compare themselves with reference groups of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires. ... Surry County is a county located in the South Hampton Roads region of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a state of the United States. ... In the American common law legal system, a grand jury is a type of jury which determines if there is enough evidence for a trial. ... is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• List of dog fighting breeds
• Amores perros, a Mexican film depicting dog fighting

This is a list of dog breeds originally developed for, or commonly used at some time in their history for dog fighting. ... Amores perros is a Mexican film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu in 2000. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 236th day of the year (237th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 236th day of the year (237th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

Wikinews has related news:

Three men arrested under suspicion of organising dog fights in southern Finland

General information

• The consequences of dog fighting.
• Fighting Dog Breeds and Info
• APBT Historical Center
• Animal Legal and Historical Center
• Monsieur Pitbull
• Diane Jessup
• Fight Clubs
• Sad Reality
• Stafford and Baiting Sports
• Footage of dog fights in Moscow, Russia
• ASPCA: Article about Dog Fighting

Literature

• The Degeneration Of The Dog Family
• Magazines and Books

Magazine articles

• Article from Sports Illustrated, July 27, 1987

News articles

• Burke, Bill. "Once limited to the rural South, dogfighting sees a cultural shift", The Virginian-Pilot, 2007-06-17. Retrieved on 2007-06-17. 
• Weir, Tom. "Vick case sheds light on dark world of dogfighting", USA Today, 2007-07-18. Retrieved on 2007-07-19.