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Marie Belew Wheatley's Blog

Should Fighting Dogs Be Given a Fighting Chance?

Posted September 24, 2009

You may have heard about the nation’s largest dogfighting bust, which took place this summer in eight states, including Missouri. Because of American Humane’s current involvement with the case, I asked Katenna Jones, animal behaviorist and humane educator for American Humane’s Office of Humane Education, to be this week’s guest blogger.

When I heard about the recent eight-state dogfighting bust, my heart dropped -- like it does each and every time such an operation is uncovered. For many, it is surprising to hear that this ancient “blood sport” still exists in the United States. Yet, right now, animal fighting persists in a quiet, underground sector of our society -- and the more than 500 dogs seized in the Missouri dogfighting raid bear the scars to prove it.

In the wake of such an event, and after the raids and trials are over, important questions remain: What happens to the unfortunate dogs seized in the case? Can they be rehabilitated and adopted into loving homes?

There are differing opinions about whether fighting dogs are simply too dangerous for society. Should they be euthanized because they have been bred and trained to kill each other? Are they dangerous animals that pose a threat to other dogs and children alike? Is the risk far too great?

Let’s look at the facts:

• Aggression toward other animals and aggression toward humans are two very different behaviors.
• Fighting dogs are rarely, if ever, human aggressive. Humans directly handle dogs during fights, and human-aggressive dogs are considered unacceptable.
• Many dogs seized in dogfighting raids are surviving “bait dogs” that serve as “punching bags” to train the fighters. Some clearly do not have the ability, stamina or drive to fight.
• Breeds typically used for fighting are devoted, highly intelligent, thrive in training and are known to be very loving.
• Some former fighting and bait dogs go on to thrive in dog sports such as  fly ball, agility and pulling, while others serve in search and rescue, drug or explosives detection and pet therapy.
• Numerous former fighting and bait dogs are currently loving, safe, friendly family pets.

When considering whether a fighting or bait dog can be adopted into a home, we must ensure that qualified behavior experts assess each dog’s temperament thoroughly and accurately after the dogs are medically deemed ready for adoption. The dogs must be individually evaluated around humans (both adults and children), around other dogs and around other animals. Each dog must be examined for its ability to be trained, to recover from trauma and to adapt into a “normal” environment. If a dog is unable to pass such assessments or has little potential for rehabilitation, then I fully respect and support the decision to humanely euthanize. 

Labeling all fighting dogs as dangerous or unadoptable is directly in line with other forms of prejudice and assumption. Seized dogs should be considered on an individual basis. Each is a unique creature, with its own genetics, its own experiences and of course its own individual personality. 

American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ team is doing just that by continuing to assist the Humane Society of Missouri and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals following the Missouri raid. Responders are tasked with the emotionally and physically challenging work of caring for, sheltering and socializing the hundreds of dogs and puppies that have been seized.  

At American Humane, we continue to create public awareness, work at the legislative level, provide educational resources and train professionals on dogfighting. We are taking a proactive role in situations such as these -- and the public also needs to do more to stop this horrendous “sport.” If you see, suspect or hear of animal fighting in your community, please alert the authorities. Regardless of the size of your town, the socio-economics or the culture around you, animal fighting is everywhere -- and your phone call could make a difference.

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Submit a comment or question below, or email Marie.

This is not an open forum, but Marie and American Humane welcome all comments and points of view. We will post selected comments that are considerate and thought-provoking, and we may edit comments for brevity, grammar and/or inflammatory language.

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