Are there different levels of dogfighting?
Most law enforcement experts divide dogfight activity into three categories: street fighting, hobbyist fighting, and professional activity: • “Street” fighters engage in dogfights that are informal street corner, back alley, and playground activities. Stripped of the rules and formality of the traditional pit fight, these are spontaneous events triggered by insults, turf invasions or the simple taunt, “My dog can kill yours.” Many people who participate in these fights lack even a semblance of respect for the animals, often starving and beating them to encourage aggressive behavior. Many of the dogs are bred to be a threat not only to other dogs, but to people as well with tragic consequences. “Street” fights are often associated with gang activities. The fights may be conducted with money, drugs, or bragging rights as the primary payoff. There is often no attempt to care for animals injured in the fight and police or animal control officers frequently encounter dead or dying animals i
