Dog fighting

For other uses of the term, see Dog fight (disambiguation).

Dog fighting is a violent fight between game dogs. This blood sport is utilized for entertainment and creating a revenue stream from stud fees, admission fees, and gambling.

Dog fighting breeds

Many modern breeds were developed from these fighting dogs. Most of these dog breeds once bred for fighting have now evolved into companion breeds.

Law

Dog fighting has been made illegal in many countries. Even though it is illegal, dog fighting still occurs across the globe, often in connection with drug dealers and other criminals. The dogs used and bred for this contribute to the negative image of pit bulls. To combat dog fighting and the designation of so-called dangerous dog breeds, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been passed in some countries and many townships and municipalities.

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.

The sport was popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world.

Afghanistan

Dog fighting has made a big comeback in Afghanistan since the fall of the hardline Taliban rulers.

Japan

Dog fighting began in Japan before the end of the Kamakura period. According to historical documents, Hojo Takatoki, the 14th shikken (shogun's regent of the Kamakura shogunate was known to be obsessed with dog fighting, to the point where he allowed his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.

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.

Dog fighting is still legal in Japan. However, increased awareness in animal welfare has made some local governments, such as Tokyo, enact ordinances that effectively ban dog fighting. On the other hand, dog fighting has become a tourist attraction in Kochi.

Currently, most fighting dogs in Japan are Tosa, which is a breed that was developed in Kochi. The goal of Tosa fighting is often for the winner to pin, not kill, its opponent . However, some Japanese pit bull owners are involved in dog fighting.

North America

Dog fighting in North America is illegal. Despite legality issues, the American Pit Bull Terrier is still commonly used as a fighting dog all across North America. The Dogo Argentino (used widely in South America) is also gaining popularity in North America, especially where American Pit Bull Terriers are being banned.

Pakistan

Contrary to popular belief, dog fighting is illegal in Pakistan with law enforcement diligently enforcing laws. In addition, it is illegal to possess dog fighting materials such as videos, or to attend an event that subjects an animal to cruel treatment.

United Kingdom

During the Roman reign there were Pugnaces Britanniae or war dogs in Britain, 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.

Dog fighting continued in London long after the Humane Act of 1835 made dog fighting, bull-, bear-, and badger-baiting, and cock fighting illegal. However, the legislation covered only cruelty to domestic and captive animals, not to wild ones.

Despite periodic dog-fight prosecutions, the illegal canine pit battles continued. Sporting journals of the 18th and 19th centuries show the Black Country and London as the main English dog fight centres of the period. Dog fighting was also rife in many areas of Ireland.

Future

Dog fighting continues today, but as animal cruelty laws become increasingly prevalent, dog fighting will most probably decrease. Fighting breeds are also increasingly subject to Breed Specific Legislation that seeks to restrict the ownership of certain breeds.

External links

General information

Literature

Baiting | Dog fighting breeds | Dog law

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