A miserable life; an agonizing death.© Michelle Riley/HSI

Dogfighting

Dogfighting is a blood sport "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are forced to fight for the spectators' entertainment and gambling. These sadistic fights can last an hour or longer and end when one of the dogs cannot continue.  The dogs suffer serious injuries or even death in the match. Often, the owner of the losing dog will shoot the injured dog or abandon the dog to die slowly from injuries.

Is Dogfighting Legal?

Dogfighting is illegal in Canada. Despite this, it remains widespread in some provinces in part because of the glamorization of the cruel practice in pop culture venues like music videos.

What We’re Doing

HSI Canada, along with our US affiliate, The Humane Society of the United States, is committed to putting an end to this cruel contest by lobbying for harsher penalties, stronger enforcement and through public education.

Take Action

Get the facts about dogfighting and learn how to spot the signs. Most importantly, if you have concrete evidence of dogfighting in your area, please contact HSI Canada at info@hsicanada.ca and let us know.

Learn More

Fast Facts

• Dogfighting Fact Sheet [PDF]

Resources

• Sample Letter to the Editor About Dogfighting