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 North Carolina, dogfighting is considered a felony offense under state law. The state statutes specifically address the prohibition of dogfighting and outline various actions that constitute the offense. These include causing a dog to fight with another dog, operating or profiting from dogfighting facilities, using property for dogfighting purposes, possessing dogfighting equipment with the intent to use it for training or fighting, owning or training a dog with the intent to engage in dogfighting, and attending dogfighting events as a spectator. The penalties for engaging in dogfighting activities are severe and can include imprisonment, fines, and other legal consequences. Additionally, dogfighting is also a federal offense under the Animal Welfare Act, which prohibits animal fighting ventures, including dogfighting. This federal statute is found in the United States Code at 7 U.S.C. §2156. Both state and federal laws reflect a strong stance against the practice of dogfighting, recognizing it as a serious and inhumane crime.