End Dogfighting in America
Meet Courage, the Survivor Calling Us to Act
Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states, yet dogs like Courage continue to endure unthinkable brutality in underground rings across the country. When rescuers found Courage in Cincinnati, his ears had been cut off, his tongue had been severed, and his body showed the unmistakable signs of a life spent in violence. He was emotionally shattered, physically broken, and desperately clinging to life.
Courage’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s not rare. Thousands of dogs suffer this fate every year in the shadows of American communities. The Fight Act (H.R. 2742 / S. 1529) is our chance to change that, to end dogfighting in America before more dogs endure years of pain, fear, and exploitation.
A Dog Who Survived the Worst of Us and Still Learned to Trust Again
When Courage arrived in rescue care, he was dehydrated, traumatized, and severely under-socialized. His caregivers didn’t know whether he would make it through the first night. They gave him fluids with a syringe, kept him warm, and built a strict routine to keep him alive. In those early days, even the simplest questions were overwhelming.
Slowly, miraculously, Courage began to respond. He bonded with his caregivers, sought gentle human interaction, and learned that the world didn’t have to hurt. Today, he spends time in an office environment, interacts calmly with people, and reflects a resilience few of us can begin to fathom.
He is a reminder that dogs are not disposable tools for gambling and violence, they are sentient beings capable of love, connection, and healing.
Dogfighting Is Still Happening Across the U.S. and Here’s Why
Despite being illegal for decades, dogfighting persists largely because enforcement tools are weak and penalties aren’t strong enough to deter offenders. Animal welfare organizations regularly report known dogfighting locations to authorities, sometimes repeatedly, only to see operations continue unchecked.
Dogfighters count on slow, under-resourced enforcement and outdated laws to protect them.
That’s where the Fight Act comes in.
The Fight Act: Real Consequences for Real Cruelty
The Fight Act (H.R. 2742 / S. 1529) is designed to give law enforcement the power they need to finally dismantle organized dogfighting networks. This legislation will:
- Strengthen federal penalties for dogfighting
- Ensure dogfighters face felony charges
- Allow civil suits against perpetrators
- Empower local and federal agencies to intervene earlier
- Close loopholes that allow repeat offenders to continue operating
For too long, dogfighters have believed they can get away with years of cruelty. The Fight Act tells them those days are over.
Why This Law Matters and Why We Can’t Wait
Courage’s story exposes the raw truth: dogfighting isn’t rare, and it isn’t happening “somewhere else.” It’s happening in major cities and small towns across the country, in backyards, basements, alleys, and abandoned buildings.
Dogs like Courage do not have five or ten years to wait while cases crawl through the system. They need protection now.
The Fight Act is the only national solution strong enough to meet the scale of the problem.
How You Can Help End Dogfighting in America
You can help create a future where no dog suffers the way Courage did. Here’s how:
- Urge Congress to Pass the Fight Act
Tell your lawmakers you support strong federal action to dismantle dogfighting rings and protect vulnerable animals. - Share Courage’s Story
Awareness saves lives. Share this video and help people understand what’s at stake. - Support our work
Join us and help us investigate cruelty, advocate for stronger laws, demand harsher prosecution, and rescue dogs who need compassion and safe havens from cruelty.
Dear reader: If you support substantive policy work to protect animals, please consider donating to the Center for a Humane Economy today. You can give any amount one time, or make it a monthly gift, as many of our supporters do. Thank you for helping us fight for all animals.