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 Illinois, dogfighting is strictly prohibited and is considered a felony offense under the Illinois Criminal Code. The law specifically addresses the illegality of dogfighting in 720 ILCS 5/26-5. According to this statute, it is unlawful for any person to do any of the following: cause a dog to fight with another dog; own, train, or purchase any dog for the purpose of dogfighting; promote, conduct, or stage a dogfight; bet on a dogfight or the outcome of a dogfight; permit any act related to dogfighting on premises under one's control; or possess any paraphernalia used in training dogs to fight. Additionally, being a spectator at a dogfighting event is also illegal. Penalties for violating these provisions can include imprisonment, substantial fines, and other legal consequences. Furthermore, under federal law, specifically the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. §2156), engaging in animal fighting activities, including dogfighting, is a federal offense, which can lead to additional federal charges and penalties.