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 New Hampshire (NH), dogfighting is strictly prohibited and is considered a felony offense under state law. According to NH Rev Stat § 644:8-a, individuals are guilty of a felony if they engage in any of the following activities: (1) causing a dog to fight with another dog; (2) participating in the earnings of or operating a facility used for dogfighting; (3) using or permitting the use of any property for dogfighting; (4) owning or possessing dogfighting paraphernalia with the intent to use it for dogfighting; (5) owning or training a dog with the intent to use it for dogfighting; or (6) attending an exhibition of dogfighting as a spectator. Penalties for dogfighting offenses in NH can include imprisonment, fines, and other legal consequences. Additionally, under federal law, specifically the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2156), dogfighting is illegal and considered an 'animal fighting venture,' which carries its own set of federal penalties. Those found guilty of dogfighting offenses under federal law may face severe punishments, including fines and imprisonment.