Yes. The sport is illegal in Russia, Australia, India, the United Kingdom, and South America. As of 2008, dog fighting is illegal in all fifty states of the United States. Regardless of whether you are gambling on a dog or just being a bystander, it is against the law to attend a fight.

Unprofessional dog fighting dates back to England during the 1750s and later became professional in the 1860s. Police men and firefighters were the main starters of the blood sport.

Besides from the animal abuse conducted in a fight, many illegal activities go on during a fight. Happenings such as illegal gambling, prostitution, distribution of drugs, alcohol, and weapons occur at nearly every dogfight. Stemming from these factors there have been reports of related offenses such as homicide, conspiracy, probation and weapons violations, and money laundering.

Anyone ranging from children to adults have been found to attend dog fights.

    Dogs are physically altered. Owners crop their dog’s ears and tails to stop communication with other dogs. This makes them more naturally hostile towards other dogs in around them. During a fight dogs can experience broken bones, snapped necks, mutilated bodies, and the possible risk of permanent maiming. If a dog survives a fight, they are kept socially isolated on chains to promote aggressive behavior.

    Dogs are chemically harmed. Dog fights can last up to five hours or more and in order to keep the fights going, dogs are injected with narcotics, starved, and beaten.

    In some cases, if a dog does not perform as well as the owner demands it should, it is taken and either rewarded with a bullet in the head or used as bait to train other dogs.