The dogs face each other in the arena, their lips curling into a snarl as they lick their teeth in anticipation. One lunges forward, landing straight into the jaws of the other. Their goal: to rip each other apart, aiming for the neck — a deadly instinct, honed through brutal training.

Blood stains the ground, and the weaker dog is badly injured, now fighting only to survive. It struggles to rise, but its legs give way, its head slamming against the cold, unforgiving pavement. The fight is over. The dog succumbs to its wounds the following day.

This horrifying scene is just one example of the disturbing world of organized dog fighting — an illegal and violent practice that continues to plague communities despite being outlawed nearly two centuries ago.

A dark underworld

Dog fighting is not just a violent spectacle; it’s a multi-billion-dollar illegal industry that exploits innocent animals.

”Dog fighting is far more rampant than most people realize,” said Jessica Rock, Georgia’s leading prosecutor for animal crimes.

Dogs bred for fighting — often pit bulls and other strong breeds — have existed for hundreds of years. It’s a barbaric ”sport” where people place bets, watch as these animals are torn apart, and even train them through inhumane methods to become skilled fighters.

Even though dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states, the Humane Society estimates that over 40,000 people in the U.S. are still involved in this illegal and brutal practice. It’s also a major underground business, with fight winnings sometimes reaching $100,000.

The aftermath of these fights is also horrifying. Victorious dogs are left with serious injuries — broken bones, deep puncture wounds, and torn flesh. But the cruelest part is that these dogs aren’t given medical attention.

Instead, their owners use DIY vet kits, without any pain relief, to “patch them up” until they’re ready to fight again.

Dog baiting

In addition to the fights themselves, a sinister practice known as dog baiting is on the rise. Weaker dogs, often sourced for free online, are subjected to unimaginable cruelty. These dogs are used as “bait” for fighting dogs, and the sad reality is that many of them are snatched from unsuspecting owners who believe they are giving their pets to good homes.

Karen Taylor, an animal rescue worker for over two decades, recently spoke with The Liverpool Echo and she says:

”I honestly don’t think the general public is aware of how bad it is. I literally cry every morning. Dog baiting is rife right now. People are making a full-time business out of it, sourcing dogs online for as little as £300, just to have them torn apart by fighting dogs.”

As tragic as it is, Karen explains that rescues are overwhelmed with cases of abused dogs.

”Every rescue is at full capacity. We’re struggling with space. After the XL Bully ban, dogs were left tied up in parks, starved to death, beaten to death, even set on fire,” she says. ”It’s heartbreaking. Some dogs are just dumped — abandoned on the streets to die.”

Increase in dog fighting

Despite being illegal, reports of dog fighting are skyrocketing in several countries around the world. In 2023, the RSPCA (the largest animal welfare charity in the UK) received over 500 reports of dog fighting, a stark increase from previous years.

The charity estimates that there were 1,734 incidents in England between 2020 and 2023, with even more cases in Wales. Yet, only a small fraction of these reports result in prosecution, as the people behind these operations are often well-hidden within tight-knit criminal networks.

RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, who leads the Special Operations Unit, condemns the practice as ”draconian and barbaric.” He warns that it is more widespread than people realize: ”We see career criminals getting their kicks from watching dogs rip each other’s throats out and break each other’s legs. It’s shocking, and there is absolutely no place for it in society today.”

After the fight

After the brutal fights, the suffering for these dogs is far from over. Some are electrocuted to death, drowned, or even burned alive.

Those who survive are often abandoned — discarded like trash — when they are no longer deemed useful for the fights. Winning dogs, despite their injuries, are sometimes forced to fight again, with no rest or recovery time.

While dog fighting may seem like something from the past, it’s clear that it’s still very much a reality for many animals today. And the public can play a role in stopping it.

Experts told USA TODAY that brutal dog fights are happening all across the country — from hidden basements and back alleys in big cities to remote barns in the rural South.

Can be rehabilitated

Jen Deane, who partners with law enforcement agencies across the U.S., works to help dogs rescued from fighting rings adjust to a normal life. When she first meets them, many are “terrified” of even being indoors, she said. She’s seen them freeze at thresholds and flinch when a dishwasher starts up.

With time and patience, though, they begin to relax and embrace their new, safer world. While most of these dogs can be successfully rehabilitated, Jen Deane said they still face a harsh public perception.

“A lot of times when people find out a dog came from a dog fighting case, they say, ‘We don’t want to have anything to do with them,’” she said.

“It’s sad because they’re making a generalization instead of meeting the individual dog. When they do, they fall in love.”

Telltale signs

The RSPCA encourages anyone who suspects dog fighting activity to report it immediately. Signs of dog fighting include dogs with deep scars, damaged ears, and unexplained injuries. Other suspicious behaviors might include people keeping dogs hidden in outbuildings or meeting in private to conduct illegal activities.

Karen Taylor urges the public to stay vigilant: ”We need to stop this. The public has to understand that these animals are suffering in silence. If you see something suspicious, speak up.”

The fight to end dog fighting is far from over, but by raising awareness, supporting animal rescues, and reporting any signs of abuse, we can make a difference.

Telltale signs that a dog may have been used in fighting include visible scars on the face or legs, open wounds, or other injuries that haven’t been treated.

Experts warn against confronting suspected dog fighters directly — it’s dangerous and should be left to law enforcement. If you suspect dog fighting, call the police or contact the Humane Society’s confidential tip line at 1-877-TIP-HSUS. Tips that lead to a conviction could earn a reward of up to $5,000.

If you suspect dog fighting near you, contact the police or RSPCA. Your actions could save a life.