Investigating Animal Cruelty 41 turn to scratch. This procedure of alternating scratches continues until one of the dogs is unable or unwilling to complete its scratch and the referee decides the contest. The only other way the dogs are picked up out of holds is when both dogs are without a hold for a period of 30 seconds by the referee’s watch (time may vary according to different rules). This usually occurs during a long match in which there are no acknowledged turns, but a handler wants to get the scratching contest underway. Under these circumstances, the bottom dog (determined by the referee) is required to scratch first followed by alternating scratches until one dog loses. If both dogs fail to scratch, the referee calls it a “no-contest.” If both dogs make their initial scratches, the handlers (by mutual agreement) may ask for a draw decision, although fighting to a draw is unpopular due to the large sums of money wagered. Occasionally, during combat, a dog becomes fanged, inadvertently piercing his or her own lip with a canine tooth while attempting to secure a bite hold on an opponent. In these cases, the referee instructs the handlers to take hold of their dogs and hold them still so the handler can unfang his dog. If the handler is unable to unfang the dog, the referee separates the dogs with the use of a breaking stick and unfangs the dog with a pencil. The dogs are then set down approximately two feet apart at the center of the pit and released upon the command of the referee. A handler who senses his dog is about to quit might also pick up the dog, thereby conceding the match. Many handlers prefer to concede a match, as a dog who quits is labeled a cur and is an embarrassment to the owner. Of course, any dog who jumps out of the pit automatically loses. An event that consists of a series of matches is called a convention or show. At the conclusion of all the matches, the judges confer and select the one or two dogs who were the most impressive. Awards or trophies are presented. Local trophy companies are sometimes a good source of information, since trophies are often purchased commercially. Investigation techniques Organized dogfighting in North America has always been shrouded in secrecy. With felony-level penalties in all states, the underground world of dogfighting has become even more cautious. It can be difficult and time consuming to begin an investigation into dogfighting activity without the help of an informant, especially if the investigator hopes to be invited to a dogfight. The participants are well aware that what they are doing is illegal and that media exposure will jeopardize their ability to conduct such activities. For these reasons, dogfight participants have: 1. Created a fraternity-type atmosphere. 2. Instilled a fear of retaliation to discourage police informants (see advertisement in Appendix III). 3. Created a double-life image through involvement in legitimate activities or legal dog shows. Additionally, those involved frequently have a rudimentary understanding of how undercover law enforcement investigations are conducted, and some have been known to conduct counter surveillance of local law enforcement and animal control facilities during matches. Investigators who attempt to infiltrate dogfighting rings without gaining an introduction via a well-placed informant should expect to be met with extreme suspicion and be prepared to spend weeks or even months establishing a credible cover before ever being allowed to attend a match. Savvy participants will likely Specialized cases
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