Ethical Issues Involved In Dog Fighting

Words: 1285
Pages: 6

Dog fighting is a barbaric sport in which two dogs are placed in a confined area to fight until the death or until one can no longer continue. These fights usually occur in the most secluded locations and spectators gamble on the outcomes. “It is estimated that there are 40,000 professional dog fighters and 100,000 amateur fighters in the United States.” (Animal Rescue Corps). When there is not sufficient evidence for law enforcement to charge an individual under the dog-fighting state laws and the immediate needs must be considered, the charges are often related to the cruelty and neglect of the animals involved. The most challenging issues that law enforcement are up against when investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in the dog fighting trade is to maintain an objective and realistic evaluation of the situation, …show more content…
Remaining objective during the investigation and prosecution is challenging for law enforcement involved in the dog fighting trade. As it is extremely challenging to be able to criminally prosecute many of the situations seen, often the best opportunity to stimulate a change and improve the life of the animal is by the actions of the humane officer during the investigation. The most difficult and dangerous aspect of the investigation is often dealing with the individuals involved not the animals (Arluke, Brute Force). The respondent’s willingness to change the situation is the desired outcome of any investigation; which often means developing an interpersonal connection and encouraging compliance in a non-threatening and realistic manner by the humane officer.
The insight into what these animals have endured as well as being in the actual setting of