Buffalo, NY (WKBW) -- Dog fighting has been recorded throughout the history of numerous cultures, and is thought to have existed since the initial domestication of the species.

The sport of dog fighting generally consists of two dogs - specifically bred, conditioned and trained to fight, being placed in a pit or small arena where they fight, often to the death, for the entertainment of spectators.

Dog fighting is illegal in North America, and is often accompanied by other illegal activities, such as gambling. The Humane Society reports that the average length of a dog fight is nearly an hour, and in some cases last longer than two hours. Dogfights end when one of the dogs will not, or cannot continue.

The Animals

Dogs that are desired for fighting are typically bred to with a character suitable for protecting humans, while maintaining an aggression toward other animals. The most common breed of fighting dogs are the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Breeders often test the ferocity and fighting instinct of potential fight dogs by matching them against a "bait" animal. Bait animals are often acquired through adoption, or captured wild animals or stolen pets. These bait animals are often killed or mauled during this process, in which they have their snouts wrapped with duct tape to prevent them from injuring the dog bred and trained for fighting. Other animals such as cats and rabbits have also been reported to be used as bait animals.

Social Impact and Pervasiveness

According to Wikipedia, places where dog fighting is outlawed, its culture is believed to be directly related to other crimes and community violence. Other criminal activities that sometime occur at a dog fight include illegal gambling, racketeering, drug trafficking, prostitution and gang violence.

These neighborhoods where dog fighting is present often suffer from the unlawful activities taking place. Animal advocates also cite desensitization to violence and animal cruelty as an unwelcome corollary of dog fighting, particularly among child spectators.

The most recent well documented dog fighting case involved NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who pled guilty to felony charges of running a dog fighting ring back in 2007.

Affect on the Animals

The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dog fights are frequently severe and often fatal. The animals that are trained and bred for fighting are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents, leading the sever injuries caused from dog fights.

Injuries associated with dog fighting include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used to fight often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight, and some dogs are killed for possesing a lack of aggression or willingness to fight.

Legality

Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, and in most, it is a felony offense, sometimes even for being in attendance. The reason is that spectators provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling is what helps to keep the sport of dog fighting alive.

You can get more information on dog fighting by following the links below.

American SPCA
The Humane Society