
Pitbulls are often associated with dog fighting due to their strength and tenacity, which can be exploited by irresponsible owners.
In the United States, pitbulls are involved in a significant number of dog bites and attacks, with over 1,000 reported cases in 2020 alone.
Many pitbull owners are unaware of the risks and consequences of owning a dog with a history of aggression, which can lead to tragic outcomes.
According to a study, 51% of pitbull owners reported that their dog had bitten someone, highlighting the need for education and awareness.
Pit Bull History
The history of pit bulls is complex and multifaceted. In England, bulldogs were forced to attack bulls or bears, a practice called bull-baiting that was outlawed in 1835.
Dogfighting developed as a distinct practice after bull-baiting was outlawed, with dogs being pitted against one another. By some accounts, dogfighting arrived in the United States in the late 1830s and early 1840s.
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Pit bulls have become synonymous with dogfighting and violence, causing many communities to view the dogs with suspicion or to prohibit their presence entirely. Unfortunately, this has led to a negative reputation for the breed.
In contrast, pit bulls can be excellent companion dogs if they're properly trained and socialized with other dogs at a young age. Experienced breeders argue that pit bulls can make loyal and gentle family pets.
Many pit bulls come from bloodlines where dogs were bred to maximize aggressiveness. This can make it challenging to raise a well-adjusted pit bull, even with proper training and care.
Pit bulls are full of energy and need an active life with lots of exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Societal Aspects
Dog fighting is often associated with a desire for status and honor, particularly among working class men. This is because their occupations provide limited opportunities to validate their masculinity, which is deeply ingrained in American culture.

Men from the working class look for alternative ways to express their masculinity and gain status, and dog fighting is one way they do this. The majority of committed dogmen are drawn from the working class, while the middle and upper classes are barely represented.
In fact, dog fighting can be a lucrative business, with the average dog fight potentially earning more money than an armed robbery or a series of isolated drug transactions.
Related reading: History of Fighting Dogs
Animal Welfare
Dog fighting is a serious form of animal abuse that involves extreme violence and suffering for the dogs involved.
In training, fighting dogs may be subjected to cruel methods, such as being drowned, strangled, or electrocuted.
Losing dogs or those deemed unacceptable may face death by one of these methods, as reported by federal investigators in Virginia.
The use of small animals, including kittens, as prey for fighting dogs is also a disturbing aspect of this practice.
More than 100,000 people in the US engage in dog fighting on a non-professional basis, while around 40,000 individuals are involved as professionals in the sport.
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Tsakane Case

The Tsakane case is a prime example of how societal aspects can impact individual lives. The case is particularly relevant to the topic of poverty and its effects on families.
Tsakane, a small town in South Africa, has struggled with poverty and lack of access to basic services. The town's residents live in informal settlements with inadequate housing and sanitation.
In 2019, the town's residents were forced to live without electricity for several months due to a dispute between the local government and the electricity provider. This led to a significant increase in crime rates and a decline in the overall quality of life.
The Tsakane case highlights the importance of access to basic services like electricity, water, and sanitation. Without these services, communities can quickly descend into chaos.
The impact of poverty on families in Tsakane is evident in the high rates of unemployment and child-headed households. Many families rely on informal income-generating activities to survive.
The lack of access to basic services in Tsakane has severe consequences for the town's residents. The town's children often miss out on education and healthcare due to the lack of infrastructure.
What Occurs in Dogfights
Dogfights are brutal and inhumane events where dogs are forced to fight each other to the death. In one case, a dog had 70 open wounds and was missing half a jaw.
A dog's body can be 75 percent covered in scar tissue from repeated fights. This is a grim reminder of the cruelty that occurs in dogfighting.
Dogs often suffer severe injuries, and their bodies can be found in a pit full of blood. This is a common scene at dogfighting locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any dog defeat Pitbull?
Yes, some large and powerful dog breeds can potentially defeat a Pitbull in a fight, including dogs like Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cane Corsos. However, it's essential to note that dog fights are often unpredictable and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Why is dogfighting illegal?
Dogfighting is illegal because it involves animal cruelty, exploitation, and often ties to other serious crimes like gambling and firearms possession. Banning dogfighting helps protect animals and communities from these associated risks.
What to do if a pit bull attacks your dog?
If a pit bull attacks your dog, remain calm and call your dog away while trying to distract the other dog from a safe distance. Then, report the incident and take your dog to the vet for immediate attention.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_fighting
- https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/cruel-sports/dogfighting/
- https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7158343/Horrific-video-shows-two-pit-bulls-fighting-death-Florida-dogfighting-ring.html
- https://love-a-bull.org/resources/the-history-of-pit-bulls/
- https://people.howstuffworks.com/dogfighting1.htm
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