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 Montana (MT), dogfighting is strictly prohibited and is considered a felony offense. Under Montana Code Annotated § 45-8-210, it is illegal to cause a dog to fight with another dog, to participate in any way in the earnings of dogfighting, to operate or use any property for the purposes of dogfighting, to possess dogfighting equipment with the intent to use it for dogfighting, to own or train a dog with the intent to use it for dogfighting, or to attend dogfighting exhibitions as a spectator. The penalties for engaging in dogfighting activities can include imprisonment, fines, or both, and may vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it is a first or subsequent violation. Additionally, federal law under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2156) also prohibits animal fighting ventures, which includes dogfighting, and imposes its own set of penalties for violations. This means that individuals involved in dogfighting in Montana could face charges under both state and federal law.