A scared, brown dogs sits huddled inside a dilapidated, wooden structure. A tight collar circles their neck and chains the dog to the their inadequate shelter. The dog peeks out from the shadows.

Kathy Milani / Humane World for Animals

Animal fighting

Together we can stop the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting.

Take Action

Ending animal fighting

No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Humane World for Animals is working to end this cruelty. 

Tens of millions
of roosters

suffer in the cockfighting industry every year 

55
countries

ban dogfighting to some extent 

1-2
hours

is the typical duration of a dogfight

Take a look inside the issue

Every day, Humane World for Animals is fighting to end cruelty to animals. No animal should be made to suffer or die for the sake of entertainment. Dogfighting and cockfighting encourage violence against animals and subject them to extreme cruelty. For many animals, the result is an agonizing death.

Dog forced to take part in dogfighting.

Cindy Dent

Our rescue team was confronted with this sad reality.

Dogfighting is a global issue

While the U.S. has passed stronger penalties and seen increased enforcement, many dogfighters have found refuge in countries where laws are lax. 

Rooster

Kathy Milani/Humane World for Animals

Forced to fight, sometimes to the death.

What is cockfighting

In cockfights, two or more birds bred specifically for the purpose of fighting are placed in a ring, known as a “cockpit,” to attack each other for human entertainment and gambling. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour and usually results in the death of one or both birds.

Puppies before being rescued at a dog fighting operation in South Carolina

Meredith Lee

Rescued from a dogfighting operation in South Carolina.

The horrors of dogfighting

A dogfight can last up to two hours, and the victims may die from blood loss, dehydration, exhaustion or infection.

Cockfighting paraphernalia is found during a raid

Humane World for Animals

Cockfighting paraphernalia found during a raid.

Crime and animal fighting

Organized animal fighting often goes hand-in-hand with a wide range of criminal activity such as drug trafficking, illegal gambling and organized crime. 

Our work around the world

Animal fighting spectacles occur around the world. The cruel practice remains legal in some countries. We work to implement legislation banning animal fighting, train law enforcement on how to detect and prosecute fighting activities, rescue animals used for fighting and more.

Take Action

No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Learn about some of our latest actions to put an end to animal fighting globally and to help protect all animals

Related Petitions to Issue
A dog is chained up to a tree and looks pleadingly at the camera
End organized dogfighting

Dogs forced to fight for human entertainment suffer horrific injuries and sometimes death. Speak out against this cruelty.

Other Actions You Can Take

Dig deeper

We bring a broad vision and deep expertise. Learn more about our work to end cruel animal fighting practices across the globe.

Humane World for Animals, formerly called HSI and The Humane Society of the United States offer rewards for information about dogfighting in Costa Rica or the United States.

Scarred animals, treadmills, wash tubs and drugs can signal dogfighting is taking place at a residence. Here's a resource detailing other equipment and signs to look for.

Chickens at a location where cockfighting took place

Cockfighting is an age-old practice in which two or more specially bred birds, known as gamecocks, are placed in an enclosed pit to fight for the primary purposes of gambling and entertainment. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour and usually results in the death of one or both birds.

The latest

No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Learn about some of our latest actions to put an end to animal fighting globally and to help protect all animals.

Rooster

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has rejected a complaint against Costa Rica for banning cockfights, in what animal protection organization Humane Society International called a great victory against animal fighting.

HSUS staff cares for dog at temp shelter

The Humane Society of the United States assisted law enforcement in April 2024 with the rescue of over 120 dogs from an alleged dogfighting operation throughout multiple properties in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Humane Rescue Alliance and licensed veterinarians also assisted on-scene. 

Rooster in poor condition during indiana cockfighting rescue

FORT WAYNE, Indiana —The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Indiana Gaming Commission with the seizure of more than 100 roosters and hens from an alleged cockfighting operation in Wells County, Indiana. The Wells County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Ossian Police Department, Bluffton Police Department and Indianapolis Animal Care Services also assisted on-scene.

Rescued from dogfighting in Italy

ROMA—Humane Society International/Europe e Fondazione Cave Canem Onlus, impegnate nella prevenzione e repressione dei combattimenti fra cani con il progetto IO NON COMBATTO, ringraziano il Vicepresidente della Camera dei Deputati, Sergio Costa, per aver accolto il loro appello e chiesto al Ministero della Giustizia di sviluppare strategie efficaci per contrastare questi crimini e stabilire procedure chiare per la gestione degli animali sequestrati, che tengano maggiormente conto del loro benessere fisico e psicologico e delle eventuali esigenze specifiche di accasamento e riabilitazione.

Rescue in progress

Our Animal Rescue Team is on the ground, moving nearly 70 dogs to safety. Help save these dogs from a horrible fate and give more animals a better life.

Jean Chung/For Humane World for Animals