Stop Dog Fighters in Dutchess County: Help End This Brutal Practice

Dog fighting is far more prevalent in New York State than many realize, and Dutchess County is tragically no exception. This horrific blood sport continues to spread through our community, leaving innocent animals to suffer unimaginable cruelty. Dutchess County SPCA has rescued numerous victims of this inhumane practice, but much more needs to be done.

The dogs trapped in this nightmare endure lives of unimaginable suffering. The process through which a dog is mutated into an aggressive fighting machine involves tying heavy weights to small puppies to promote unnatural muscle growth, using electric shock prods, isolating them in cramped, filthy cages and only rewarding them with food when they kill or fatally injure their opponent. If they don't win, they are left to die from their injuries. Still others, often dogs and cats stolen from pet owners, are used as “bait,” torn apart for the sake of training others to kill.

Dutchess County SPCA stands ready to help any survivor that comes through our doors. But we cannot do it alone. This cruelty continues to persist because our laws are not strong enough to stop it. We need to come together as a community to demand real change.

Dog fighting isn't just an act of cruelty—it's an organized, violent criminal enterprise that destroys lives and fuels other forms of crime. Yet under current New York State law, those charged with animal fighting often walk away with little more than a fine, free to continue their horrific abuses. This is unacceptable. It's time to treat dog fighting for what it truly is: deadly criminal activity.

That's why Dutchess County SPCA is supporting A7303/S.6913, legislation that would elevate animal fighting as a designated criminal act under the state's Enterprise Corruption statute. This law would give our legal system the tools it needs to take stronger action against these offenders, with enhanced sentencing for certain animal fighting offenses. In short, this legislation will hold dogfighters accountable for the cruelty they inflict and help stop the cycle of violence.

But we need your voice. Add your name to Dutchess County SPCA's petition and stand with us in demanding justice for the victims of dog fighting. Together, we can put an end to this brutal, inhumane practice in New York State.

Sign the petition today and help us take a stand against this cruelty. The time for action is now.

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