In organized dogfighting, two dogs, usually pit bulls, fight until one or both can’t continue. The dogs suffer serious injuries or death in the match. Often, the owner of the losing dog will shoot or abandon the injured dog to die slowly from injuries.

Organized dogfighting is illegal everywhere in the United States and is a felony in all 50 states. Despite this, it remains widespread, especially in the form of “street fighting,” in part because of the glamorization of the cruel practice in pop culture venues like music videos.

Get the facts about dogfighting, look into the bloody underworld of dogfighters, and get the scoop on dogfighting cases with which the HSUS has assisted.

If you suspect dogfighting in your own neighborhood, alert local law enforcement. Urge your local officials to contact the Humane Society of the United States for practical tools, advice and assistance. The HSUS has a standing reward – recently doubled to $5,000 – for information leading to a conviction of illegal dogfighting.