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 Rhode Island, dogfighting is strictly prohibited and is considered a felony offense under Rhode Island General Laws Section 4-1-9. The law clearly states that it is illegal for any person to: (1) cause, promote, or conduct any fight between dogs; (2) train dogs for the purpose of dogfighting; (3) use or permit any premises for the purpose of dogfighting; (4) own, possess, keep, or train any dog with the intent that such dog shall be engaged in any exhibition of fighting; (5) be present as a spectator at any place where preparations are being made for an exhibition of the fighting of dogs, with the intent to be present at such preparations, or to be present at such exhibition. Violations of these provisions can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of animals and related equipment. 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 penalties and is enforceable by federal authorities.