Dogs

Dog Fighting

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Dog fighting is a violent fight between dogs. This blood sport is utilized for entertainment and creating a revenue stream from stud fees, admission fees, and gambling.

Dog fighting breeds

Main articles: History of dog fighting breeds

Many modern breeds were developed from these fighting dogs. Most of these dog breeds once bred for fighting have now evolved into companion breeds.

Law

Dog fighting has been made illegal in many countries. Even though it is illegal, dog fighting still occurs across the globe, often in connection with drug dealers and other criminals. The dogs used and bred for this contribute to the negative image of pit bulls. To combat dog fighting and the designation of so-called dangerous dog breeds, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) has been passed in some countries and many townships and municipalities.

History

Dog fighting has been documented in the recorded history of many different cultures, and is presumed to have existed since the initial domestication of the species. Many breeds have been bred specifically for the strength, attitude, and physical features that would make them better fighting dogs.

The sport was popular in many countries throughout history and continues to be practiced both legally and illegally around the world.

Japan

Dog fighting began in Japan before the end of the Kamakura period. According to historical documents, Hojo Takatoki, the 14th shikken (shogun's regent) of the Kamakura shogunate was known to be obsessed with dog fighting, to the point where he allowed his samurai to pay taxes with dogs. At this time, dog fighting was called inuawase (犬合わせ).

Dog fighting was considered a way for the Samurai to retain their aggressive edge during peaceful times. Several daimyo, such as Chosokabe Motochika and Yamauchi Yodo, both from Tosa Province (present-day Kochi Prefecture), were known to encourage dog fighting. Dog fighting was also popular in Akita Prefecture, which is the origin of the Akita breed.

Dog fighting is still legal in Japan. However, increased awareness in animal welfare has made some local governments, such as Tokyo, enact ordinances that effectively ban dog fighting. On the other hand, dog fighting has become a tourist attraction in Kochi.

Currently, most fighting dogs in Japan are Tosa, which is a breed that was developed in Kochi. However, some Japanese Pit bull owners are involved in dog fighting.

Pakistan

Contrary to popular belief dog fighting is illegal in Pakistan with law enforcement diligently enforcing laws. In addition, it is neither legal to possess dog fighting material, such as videos, nor attend an event that subjects an animal to any form of cruel treatment.

most of the dogfights are carried out in rural areas which heve little or no police intervention and Dogfights may even be broadcasted on local TV.

United Kingdom

During the Roman reign there were pugnaces or war dogs in Britain, mostly used in battle but later used for dog fighting contests in the amphitheatre. As early as 1154, in the reign of Henry II, bull-baiting and bear-baiting with dogs was a popular amusement.

Dog fighting continued in London long after the Humane Act of 1835 made dog fighting, bull-, bear-, and badger-baiting, and cock fighting illegal. However, the legislation covered only cruelty to domestic and captive animals, not to wild ones.

Despite periodic dog-fight prosecutions, the illegal canine pit battles continued. Sporting journals of the 18th and 19th centuries show the Black Country and London as the main English dog fight centres of the period. Dog fighting was also rife in many areas of Ireland.

Future

Dog fighting continues today, but as animal cruelty laws become increasingly prevalent, dog fighting will most probably decrease. Fighting breeds are also increasingly subject to Breed Specific Legislation that seeks to restrict the ownership of certain breeds.

See also

• List of dog fighting breeds

External links

• Fighting Dog Breeds and Info
• Animal Legal and Historical Center
• Monsieur Pitbull

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