Dog f.i.g.h.t.i.n.g is a d.i.s.g.u.s.t.i.n.g way people entertain themselves. This “contest” where two dogs who are “bred, conditioned, and trained” to fight is done for entertainment purposes.

Mainly gambling. The two dogs fight in a pit or confined area until one dog “will not or can not” continue.

That’s the kind way of putting it. Dogs forced to fight in these 14-20-ft pits suffer injuries that can prove fatal. Puncture wounds, in particular, can cause a dog to later succumb to its injuries.

And if a dog doesn’t perform as expected, it may later be a.b.u.s.e.d or k.i.l.l.e.d outright for losing the fight.

Information gleaned from raids on dogfighting rings has found that thousands of dollars can be at risk for just one match whether it lasts mere minutes or hours. It’s not unusual for $500,000 to be seized during these searches.

Dogfights can serve as a host for not only illegal gambling but drug a.b.u.s.e and dealing, distribution of firearms, gang activity and the destruction and decay of neighborhoods.

Dog fighting, or having anything to do with a fight, even watching one, is considered a felony in all 50 states. But sadly, many are involved in this terrible sport.

Around 40,000 people are behind organized dogfighting, and a staggering 100,000 are active in the activity at the street level. The ASPCA, though estimates this number to be even more. This well-renowned animal advocacy organization doesn’t have accurate numbers.

Dogfighting wasn’t as popular in the 1990’s. With the advent and ease of access to the internet, unfortunately, the sport has rebounded with participation in the tens of thousands.

In 2007, 250,000 dogs were forced to fight nationwide. This does not include cockfights or fights between animals used as bait like the poor pit bull you’ll read about shortly.

In the United States, Florida ranks as the top state with the highest number of severe crimes committed against animals. These crimes include dogfighting, beating, neglect and a.ban.don.ment; and other abhorrent acts such as drowning, choking or suffocation.

Since the 1970’S, the FBI has found a strong correlation between animal a.b.u.s.e and domestic violence. The connection was first realized when it was revealed that most serial k.i.l.l.e.r.s either slayed or tortured animals as children.

There are also consistent patterns of animal a.b.u.s.e found among perpetrators of other violence. Particularly among those who a.b.u.s.e their spouses or partners, children or the elderly.

One horrific statistic by The Humane Society of The United States, (HSUS), estimates that each year, one million animals are a.b.u.s.e.d or k.i.l.l.e.d in connection with domestic violence.

Animal a.b.u.s.e.r.s are five times more likely to commit crimes against people and four times likely to commit crimes against property than those without a history of animal a.b.u.s.e. Approximately 75% of domestic a.b.u.s.e victims reported their partners either threatened or k.i.l.l.e.d family pets.

Many cases of animal a.b.u.s.e and a.ban.don.ment don’t end well. Charlie’s story is still waiting for its happy ending.

Thank goodness for good samaritans. Someone found 2-year-old Charlie the pit bull clinging to life near a dumpster in Philadelphia. He was covered in flies, filth and had nasty head wounds.

Vet tech Nikki rabino knew on first sight that the dear boy was close to d.e.a.t.h. She was alerted to Charlie’s plight from someone who tagged her in a Facebook post.

Nikki noticed as she drew closer poor Charlie couldn’t move. The sweet dog could barely lift his head. With the help of a friend, Nikki rushed the sick pup to the Philadelphia Animal Hospital.

Since his rescue last week, Charlie’s recovery has been sketchy. But the brave boy has dozens of supporters in his corner, working tirelessly to help him heal.

The vet hospital posted this photo on social media with this message: “The following picture is hard to look at but is very important.

“It’s a tragedy when innocent animals are treated in such a way, and we recognize that this is not an isolated incident,” the hospital continued. “Charlie is a sweet dog and is in stable condition.” The vets are “taking every measure to ensure he gets well.”

The investigation for those responsible for Charlie’s injuries and a.ban.don.ment is still ongoing. The Pennsylvania Society for Prevention of C.r.u.e.l.t.y to Animals is heading the inquiry.

Based on Charlie’s wounds, the PSPCA believes that the pit bull was used as bait for dogfighting. So in short, Charlie was used to training fighting dogs and attacked.

Another organization c.r.u.c.i.a.l to Charlie’s recovery is the City of Elderly Love who said about the brave pit: “While not our typical rescue, Charlie’s wonderful finders sure brought him to the right place,” the group wrote on social media.

“Philadelphia Animal Hospital will be caring for and treating him free of cost, and as their exclusive rescue partner, we’ll be handling his post-recovery care. We have high hopes that Philly’s amazing Humane Law Enforcement team will be able to bring Charlie’s a.b.u.s.e.r.s to justice.”

Charlie isn’t out of the woods yet. There was concern he would develop sepsis, but as of October 29th, he was dashing and trotting about the clinic.

Charlie is getting better with the help of cuddles and treats. The pit bull began showing affection to his caregivers by giving kisses. A sure sign he’s on his way to a full recovery, and hopefully a happy life in a forever home.