Dogfighting is a situation in which one dog attacks or fights another dog. Dogfighting is also a blood sport where dogs that have been bred, conditioned, and trained to fight are placed in a pit to fight each other for spectator entertainment and profit. Dogfighting—as defined in state and federal statutes—is a felony criminal offense in all states and under federal law.

The definitions and penalties or punishments for dogfighting vary from state to state but usually provide that a person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly:

(1) causes a dog to fight with another dog;

(2) participates in the earnings of or operates a facility used for dogfighting;

(3) uses or permits another to use any real estate, building, room, tent, arena, or other property for dogfighting;

(4) owns or possesses dogfighting equipment with the intent that the equipment be used to train a dog for dogfighting or in furtherance of dogfighting;

(5) owns or trains a dog with the intent that the dog be used in an exhibition of dogfighting; or

(6) attends as a spectator an exhibition of dogfighting.

The criminal offense for dogfighting is sometimes included in state statutes that make it illegal to cause various kinds of animals to fight (dogs, bulls, cocks, etc.). Dogfighting is also illegal under the federal Animal Welfare Act (statute) that prohibits “animal fighting ventures” and is located in the United States Code at 7 U.S.C. §2156.

In Idaho, dogfighting is explicitly prohibited and classified as a felony offense. Under Idaho Code § 25-3504, it is unlawful for any person to cause, or attempt to cause, a dog to fight with another dog. Additionally, it is illegal to own, possess, keep, or train any dog with the intention that such dog shall be engaged in an exhibition of fighting with another dog. The law also forbids the operation of any facility for the purpose of dogfighting, as well as the participation in any earnings from dogfighting activities. Furthermore, it is illegal to own or possess any equipment used in training dogs to fight. Attending a dogfight as a spectator is also a criminal offense in Idaho. Penalties for violating these provisions can include imprisonment, fines, or both. The federal Animal Welfare Act also prohibits animal fighting ventures, including dogfighting, and provides additional grounds for prosecution under federal law.