Hot Issues

Animal Fighting Laws
Where Does Your State Stand?

Published by the Humane Society of the United States

Although dogfighting and cockfighting are illegal everywhere, state animal fighting laws differ in ways that impact heavily on the ability of law enforcement to catch and prosecute perpetrators. One animal fighting law that can make an enormous difference in cracking down on this illegal activity is a prohibition on the possession of animals for fighting purposes. In states that do not ban keeping or selling fighting animals, police must catch animal fighters in the act of fighting. Infiltrating animal fighting circles can be a difficult task, as they are often highly clandestine, held in remote locations, and involve closed circles of participants. But animal fighters are often easily identifiable by the way they keep their animals, the fact that they possess training equipment, and have animals with multiple scars.

The majority of states now also prohibit attendance at animal fights. Without this important provision, law enforcement officials face the sometimes daunting task of differentiating the fighters from spectators. In many cases, police lack the evidence to charge those arrested at animal fights with more than participation as a spectator.

Federal law prohibits transporting dogs across state lines for dogfighting. In May 2003 this prohibition was extended to apply to birds, and to exports of dogs or birds for fighting. Animal fighters can no longer claim they keep animals to fight them in states or countries where animal fighting remains legal.

This chart provides a summary of state penalties for animal fighting.
For more information, a copy of your state's statute, or for tips on how to make your state's law more effective, please contact The HSUS Government Affairs Section at 202-452-1100 or email legislation@hsus.org for further information.

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