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 York State, dogfighting is considered a serious criminal offense under Agriculture and Markets Law, Article 26, Section 351. According to this statute, it is a felony to engage in any behavior that promotes or facilitates dogfighting. This includes breeding or training dogs for the purpose of fighting, owning or managing a dogfighting facility, profiting from dogfighting, possessing dogfighting paraphernalia, and allowing one's property to be used for dogfighting. Additionally, being a spectator at a dogfighting event is also illegal and is classified as a misdemeanor. Penalties for these offenses can include imprisonment, hefty fines, and forfeiture of animals. Furthermore, under federal law, specifically the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2156), dogfighting is prohibited and considered an 'animal fighting venture,' which carries its own set of federal penalties and enforcement mechanisms. Both state and federal laws reflect a strong public policy against dogfighting due to its inherent cruelty and the associated criminal activities it often entails.