Dogfighting is a situation in which one dog attacks or fights another dog. Dogfighting is also a blood sport where dogs that have been bred, conditioned, and trained to fight are placed in a pit to fight each other for spectator entertainment and profit. Dogfighting—as defined in state and federal statutes—is a felony criminal offense in all states and under federal law.

The definitions and penalties or punishments for dogfighting vary from state to state but usually provide that a person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:

(1) causes a dog to fight with another dog;

(2) participates in the earnings of or operates a facility used for dogfighting;

(3) uses or permits another to use any real estate, building, room, tent, arena, or other property for dogfighting;

(4) owns or possesses dogfighting equipment with the intent that the equipment be used to train a dog for dogfighting or in furtherance of dogfighting;

(5) owns or trains a dog with the intent that the dog be used in an exhibition of dogfighting; or

(6) attends as a spectator an exhibition of dogfighting.

The criminal offense for dogfighting is sometimes included in state statutes that make it illegal to cause various kinds of animals to fight (dogs, bulls, cocks, etc.). Dogfighting is also illegal under the federal Animal Welfare Act (statute) that prohibits “animal fighting ventures” and is located in the United States Code at 7 U.S.C. §2156.

In Arizona, dogfighting is considered a serious criminal offense under state law. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2910.07, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly cause dogs to fight, to participate in the earnings of dogfighting, or to keep or use any property for the purpose of dogfighting. Additionally, it is illegal to possess any dogfighting paraphernalia with the intent to engage in dogfighting activities, to own or train a dog for fighting, or to attend dogfights as a spectator. Violation of these provisions is classified as a class 5 felony, which can result in significant penalties including imprisonment, fines, and potential forfeiture of animals. Furthermore, dogfighting is also prohibited under federal law by the Animal Welfare Act, which makes it illegal to operate any animal fighting venture. The federal statute that addresses this is 7 U.S.C. § 2156. Both state and federal laws reflect a strong stance against the practice of dogfighting, emphasizing animal welfare and public morality.