Kathy Milani / Humane World for Animals
Animal fighting
Together we can stop the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting.
Ending animal fighting
No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Humane World for Animals is working to end this cruelty.
suffer in the cockfighting industry every year
ban dogfighting to some extent
is the typical duration of a dogfight
Take a look inside the issue
Every day, Humane World for Animals is fighting to end cruelty to animals. No animal should be made to suffer or die for the sake of entertainment. Dogfighting and cockfighting encourage violence against animals and subject them to extreme cruelty. For many animals, the result is an agonizing death.
Cindy Dent
Kathy Milani/Humane World for Animals
Meredith Lee
Humane World for Animals
Our work around the world
Animal fighting spectacles occur around the world. The cruel practice remains legal in some countries. We work to implement legislation banning animal fighting, train law enforcement on how to detect and prosecute fighting activities, rescue animals used for fighting and more.
Humane World for Animals, formerly called Humane Society International/Latin America, works with Costa Rican law enforcement to investigate acts of animal cruelty, especially dogfighting cases. Since early 2012, the Department of Animal Health in the Ministry of Agriculture has been targeting the dogfighting industry in Costa Rica.
Cockfighting is a brutal spectacle that pits specially bred roosters against each other in a bloody fight to the death. It makes the news only occasionally. But the cruelty behind the headlines is always the same.
"At the scene, I still remember kneeling down to gently introduce myself and then carefully lifting her up on the table for a veterinary exam. I could feel each of her ribs and see each bone of her spine. The veterinarian noted her emaciation, a cracked tooth and some scarring on her body..."
Take Action
No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Learn about some of our latest actions to put an end to animal fighting globally and to help protect all animals
Put an end to cockfighting
Each year, thousands of roosters suffer in fighting pits in the United States. Razor-sharp gaffs tied to their legs, roosters suffer punctured lungs, broken bones and pierced eyes while fighting to the death. Will speak out against this cruelty and help ensure there is no haven for cockfighting?
End organized dogfighting
Dogs forced to fight for human entertainment suffer horrific injuries and sometimes death. Speak out against this cruelty.
Dig deeper
We bring a broad vision and deep expertise. Learn more about our work to end cruel animal fighting practices across the globe.
Humane World for Animals, formerly called HSI and The Humane Society of the United States offer rewards for information about dogfighting in Costa Rica or the United States.
Scarred animals, treadmills, wash tubs and drugs can signal dogfighting is taking place at a residence. Here's a resource detailing other equipment and signs to look for.
Cockfighting is an age-old practice in which two or more specially bred birds, known as gamecocks, are placed in an enclosed pit to fight for the primary purposes of gambling and entertainment. A typical cockfight can last anywhere from several minutes to more than half an hour and usually results in the death of one or both birds.
The latest
No animal should have to suffer the barbaric practices of dogfighting and cockfighting. Learn about some of our latest actions to put an end to animal fighting globally and to help protect all animals.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has rejected a complaint against Costa Rica for banning cockfights, in what animal protection organization Humane Society International called a great victory against animal fighting.
The Humane Society of the United States assisted law enforcement in April 2024 with the rescue of over 120 dogs from an alleged dogfighting operation throughout multiple properties in Cumberland County, New Jersey. Humane Rescue Alliance and licensed veterinarians also assisted on-scene.
FORT WAYNE, Indiana —The Humane Society of the United States is assisting the Indiana Gaming Commission with the seizure of more than 100 roosters and hens from an alleged cockfighting operation in Wells County, Indiana. The Wells County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Ossian Police Department, Bluffton Police Department and Indianapolis Animal Care Services also assisted on-scene.
ROMA—Humane Society International/Europe e Fondazione Cave Canem Onlus, impegnate nella prevenzione e repressione dei combattimenti fra cani con il progetto IO NON COMBATTO, ringraziano il Vicepresidente della Camera dei Deputati, Sergio Costa, per aver accolto il loro appello e chiesto al Ministero della Giustizia di sviluppare strategie efficaci per contrastare questi crimini e stabilire procedure chiare per la gestione degli animali sequestrati, che tengano maggiormente conto del loro benessere fisico e psicologico e delle eventuali esigenze specifiche di accasamento e riabilitazione.
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Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals