Today, the University of Chicago Survey Lab and The Humane Society of the United States released the results of new research into why young men and boys become involved in the illegal practice of street dogfighting.
With support from The HSUS, the Survey Lab interviewed former and current dogfighters in Chicago and conducted focus groups with youth ranging in age from nine to 16 who lived in areas of the city where dogfighting is most prevalent. This is the first study to use focus groups in analyzing the social motivation behind street dogfighting.
The in-depth interviews were with six males aged 18-50 whose involvement in dogfighting ranged from being professional breeders and underground dogfighters, to being street-level fighters. One hundred fifty-nine underage participants were part of nine focus groups. Sixty-five percent of the participants were African-American and 35 percent were Hispanic; 23 percent were female and 77 percent male.
The focus groups indicated that the appeal of dogfighting to youth originates from the desire to appear "tough," to work out street or gang conflicts, and to combat boredom and even poverty. Many respondents acknowledged that dogs were "man's best friend," but the vast majority the participants expressed a general fear of dogs.
"Our research indicates that the desire to appear tough, and a general obsession with competition, often supersedes a young boy's natural aversion to the barbaric cruelty of dogfighting," said Kelly Daley, director of research with the University of Chicago Survey Lab. "Recasting the image of dogs, and pit bulls specifically, from violent animals to beloved pets, and giving young men alternative outlets for their competitive nature should be a significant part of any anti-dogfighting campaign."
Research released in the report indicates the following:
- Street dogfighting is often a means to work out street or gang conflicts.
It is a means to earn money that can range from twenty to several hundred dollars. - The appeal of dogfighting to youth originates from the desire to appear "tough," to emulate older boys and men on the street, and to combat boredom and even poverty.
- Respondents of the in-person interviews came to witness their first dogfight in one of two ways: Either they "fell upon it" or a friend or relative introduced them to dogfighting. No one reported actively seeking it out.
- For many dogfighters, it appears that the desire to appear tough and gain street credibility motivated them to pursue dogfighting.
- Former and current dogfighters indicate that their reaction to their first dogfight relates in large part to their previous experience with dogs more generally.
- Dogfighters also describe the violence as "exciting" and are impressed with the competition involved in dogfighting. They emphasize the dogs' toughness, fierceness and tenacity.
- Many respondents in the focus groups were afraid of dogs and said that all dogs bite.
- Many of the boys in the focus groups exhibited a general obsession with competition, which can be expressed in dogfighting.
- When asked about dogfighting, all of the focus group participants knew about or had heard of dogfighting. Not many had personally witnessed a dogfight, but many knew of others who had.
Unlike organized dogfighting, which involves a planned, clandestine event and typically large amounts of money, street dogfighting occurs regularly in cities across the country. Locations for street dogfights include street corners, abandoned buildings, and even basements and backyards.
Nationwide, hundreds of thousands of dogs are fought and often die in this cruel activity.
As it is a violent felony crime, dogfighting impacts those involved in the activity as well as those exposed to it by desensitizing youth to the suffering of others and fostering criminal behavior.
According to a study conducted by the Chicago Police Department, of more than 300 people arrested for crimes against animals (including dogfighting), more than 65 percent had also been arrested for battery-related violent crimes and 70 percent for illegal drugs.
In an effort to combat dogfighting, The Humane Society of the United States recently launched the End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign consisting of a street-level intervention and education program in the Austin area of Chicago, dog training classes as an alternative to dogfighting, and collaboration with the Chicago Police Department. For more information visit HSUS.org/dogfighting-chicago.
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