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 Wisconsin, dogfighting is considered a serious felony offense under state law. Wisconsin Statutes section 951.08 specifically addresses the issue of dogfighting, making it illegal to own, train, promote, or participate in the fighting of dogs for amusement or financial gain. The law covers various activities associated with dogfighting, including breeding and training dogs to fight, operating or attending dogfighting events, and possessing equipment used for training dogs to fight. Penalties for dogfighting in Wisconsin can be severe, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and the forfeiture of animals involved. Additionally, under federal law, specifically the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2156), dogfighting is prohibited as an 'animal fighting venture,' and it is illegal to knowingly sponsor or exhibit an animal in a fighting venture, to buy, sell, deliver, or transport animals for fighting purposes, or to use the postal service or other interstate means to promote animal fighting. Violations of the federal statute can result in felony charges, fines, and imprisonment.