Dog Fighting Flashcards
Who was Michael Vick?
Was involved in dog fighting known as Bad Newz Kennels where he hosted dog fighting arenas and participated in killing 7 dogs by hanging and drowning them, and then burying them. He would also kill the poor fighters by shooting, electrocuting, and drowning them.
-54 dogs were rescued
-2 were put down; one had life threatening injuries and the other female was too aggressive
-Vick never admitted to being involved in the dog fighting
-Only admitted he was aware it was going on & accepted a plea deal
What is the broken window theory?
If you don’t do something about it, nobody will care
What types of crimes are associated with dog fighting?
-Racketeering
-Gangs
-Gambling
-Sex Trafficking
-Firearms
-Drug Distribution
ON FINAL: WHAT IS GAMENESS?
Gameness is the quality of fighting dogs and working terriers that are selectively bred and conditioned from an early age to develop traits of eagerness despite the threat of potential injury
-When picking dogs for dog fighting, they test dogs for gameness
-Dogs who do not display this trait are killed or used as bait dogs
-Can withstand immense pain!
-Will pit this “new” dog against an older and experienced dog and test their endurance
-Dogs with gameness are ready and willing, full of fight, etc.
-Will go on to train, condition, and use these animals for fighting!
What are the Common Indicators of Dog Fighting Found at the Scene?
-Dogs w/ multiple scars
-Lips/ears ripped off
-Pit-bull mix type dogs
-Dogs on heavy chains & tethered
-Dirt ring around the dog
-Dogs chained in a secluded area
What is animal fighting paraphernalia?
Refers to equipment and implements used to further animal fighting
Examples:
1. Breaking sticks (used to pry open dogs jaws in dogfights)
2. Objects used for training animals to fight (treadmills w/ a rotational platform)
3. Gaffs (blades attached to roosters’ legs for cockfighting)
Difference between Spontaneous fighting vs Organized dogfighting?
Spontaneous Fighting:
-non-fighting dogs
-superficial wounds
-NOT fight to the death; only for dominance
-Targeted areas: scruff, shoulders, hocks
-Example: stray animal fights
Organized Dogfighting:
-fighting dogs!
-FIGHT TO DEATH!
-target specific areas: head, neck, legs, chest
-multiple injuries
-bred, trained & conditioned!
Bait Dogs
-Teeth are filed down/removed to prevent them from attacking/hurting the fighting dogs during the attacks!
-Also removed for females used for breeding!
-Not bred, trained, or conditioned to fight
What are RED FLAGS for a Veterinarian to suspect that a dog is involved in dog fighting?
-Multiple puncture wounds in various stages of healing on chest, face, and limbs
-Teeth filed down/extracted
-Abrasions or embedded collar/chain marks on neck
-Owners may request drugs/medical supplies for animals not seen by the clinic
What Digital Evidence Should You Seize?
-Photographs
-Training Videos
-Fight videos - often streamed
-Gambling Transactions
-Trading/Breeding Dogs
-Social Media Accounts
-Surveillance
Describe How Cock Fighting Is Conducted
-Two cockerels are placed into a ring and are forced to fight until one of them is dead or so badly injured they can no longer fight
-Rooster’s natural spurs are cut off to allow for attachment of knives and other weapons
How Does the Fight End?
- An owner calling the fight (dog has quit)
- The death of one or more dogs
- One of the dogs jumping the pit (trying to escape)
