National Dog Fighting Awareness Day 2024: When It Is & How To Celebrate
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
National Dog Fighting Awareness Day is celebrated on April 8th. It is just one part of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, which occurs in April. National Dog Fighting Awareness Day is a day dedicated to spreading awareness of dog fighting, including the dangers it poses and its continuation despite governments outlawing it. This is a day in which people are encouraged to take action against dog fighting to secure the health and safety of future generations of innocent dogs.
History of Dog Fighting
Dog fighting has a long and cruel history. In 43 A.D., during the Romans’ invasion of Britain, both sides of the conflict employed dogs on the battlefield. After the Romans won the war, they began importing British dogs to fight in their wars and as entertainment. The dogs that fought for entertainment would be taken into an arena to fight against other animals.
In the 12th century, the English would chain larger animals (such as bulls or bears) and have several dogs fight the restrained animals. When this activity was eventually banned due to the scarcity of bears and bulls, this gruesome form of entertainment shifted to dogs fighting against other dogs.
Right before the American Civil War, fighting dogs were imported to the United States. Dog fighting grew in popularity until the 1860s when most states had outlawed it.
History of National Dog Fighting Awareness Day
Although dog fighting is illegal, plenty of dogs are forced into fights every year. Because of this, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) declared April 8th National Dog Fighting Awareness Day in 2014. Ever since then, this day has been recognized by animal lovers all across the country.
National Dog Fighting Awareness Day aims to shed light on how prevalent the violent sport of dog fighting continues to be. Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states of the United States, yet it still runs rampant in illegal, underground circles. The ASPCA wants to end dog fighting by supporting legal investigations, providing specified training for law enforcement agents, promoting protective legislation, and working to rehabilitate the dogs rescued from dog fighting rings.
Ways to Commemorate It
There are plenty of ways that you can celebrate National Dog Fighting Awareness Day. The most important thing any of us can do is become informed so that we can confidently step up when we are needed. Some ways that you can help include the following:
- Spreading awareness: By educating yourself on the dangers and prevalence of dog fighting, you can spread awareness to others and help educate them. The ASPCA started a movement called #GetTough, where people can post about dog fighting on social media to spread awareness.
- Making your voice heard: Check out what your local governments say about dog fighting and bring your concerns to their attention. The ASPCA has an advocacy training program where concerned citizens can learn the skills they need to kickstart a grassroots lobbying campaign.
- Donating: Whether you want to donate to a large organization or a local one, any trusted organization that supports animal rights is a great establishment to support.
- Volunteering: Wherever you can support animals in your community, take time out of your day to lend a helping hand.
While these are not the only ways a person can celebrate National Dog Fighting Awareness Day, they are great ways to start. Mark April 8th in your calendar today and start thinking about how you want to recognize such a monumental holiday.
Conclusion
National Dog Fighting Awareness Day is an important holiday that brings awareness to the issue of dog fighting. Many people have the misconception that dog fighting is rare or no longer exists, but that is not the case. Dog fighting can occur anywhere, even in your own community. You can help prevent animal cruelty today by spreading awareness and taking action.
Featured Image Credit: Puripat Lertpunyaroj, Shutterstock
