Investigating Animal Cruelty 39 Upon arrival, the promoter collects admission fees from the spectators and may choose several well-known fanciers to act as judges for the best in show and gamest dog awards. Awards such as these are usually only given at conventions featuring several matches between notable fighting dogs. Frequently, there is a one- to two-hour delay until the start of the first match. This allows participants time to socialize and scrutinize any newcomers. Promoters and participants take extreme caution to avoid detection by law enforcement officials. Escape routes are usually identified before the fight and the presence of one or more armed guards is not unusual. Before the dogs are brought into the pit, they are weighed, and the handlers toss a coin to decide washing order and corners. The winner may choose to have his dog washed first, or he may choose a preferred corner of the pit. Handlers wash and examine their opponent’s dog under the supervision of the referee. The washing is done to remove any poisonous or caustic substance that might have been applied to a dog’s coat as a rub (a method of cheating). After washing, the dogs are returned to their appropriate handlers wrapped in towels or blankets and are carried to their respective corners to await the referee. Although the configuration and materials may vary, a typical dogfighting arena measures from 14 to 20 feet square and has wooden walls measuring from 24 to 36 inches high. The floor is usually covered with carpet or canvas to improve traction. Many pits are portable, and some are made with makeshift items such as hay bales. The dogs are brought into the pit and faced toward the walls behind diagonal lines on the floor at opposite ends of the pit. These lines, called scratch lines, are usually indicated by duct tape or spray paint. The distance between the scratch lines varies according to the rules (from approximately 12 feet 6 inches to 14 feet apart). Occasionally, a center line is also indicated. Upon entering the pit, the referee commands, “face your dogs.” Both handlers simultaneously turn around and face their dogs toward the center of the arena. Once the dogs see each other, they usually strain to break free of their handlers. The referee quickly follows with the command, “release your dogs” or “let go.” Both handlers release their grips, and, in an instant, Proper identification and documentation of animals seized in connection with illegal animal fighting ventures is critical (left); a dog exhibiting injuries consistent with having been used in staged combats (right) Specialized cases
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