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 New Mexico, dogfighting is explicitly prohibited and classified as a felony offense. Under New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978, Section 30-18-9, it is unlawful for any person to engage in, promote, or contribute to the fighting of dogs for amusement or gain. This includes causing a dog to fight with another dog, owning or training a dog for fighting, operating or attending dogfighting events, and possessing any equipment intended for training or encouraging dogs to fight. The law also extends to prohibiting the use of any property for the purposes of dogfighting. Penalties for violating these provisions can include imprisonment, fines, or both, and may vary based 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 criminalizes animal fighting ventures, which encompasses dogfighting, and provides for its own set of penalties that can be applied in cases that involve interstate or foreign commerce.