Harsher Punishments for Spectators of Dog Fighting

Imagine two dogs. Imagine them fenced in some squalid trench against each other in a fight to the death. People chant as teeth tear into flesh, and blood splatters the walls of the pen. This continues until one or both of the dogs are dead or maimed beyond recognition.

Participating in dog fighting, described above, is a felony in Delaware. This only applies to the people responsible for organizing the fight. The organizers, however, are not the only ones who should be held accountable.

In general, a spectator is a bystander or witness. In dog fighting, however, a spectator is much more. They are the pulsing centerthe heart. They actively seek out clandestine dog fighting circles, financially supporting a criminally violent eventand moral travesty. Spectators traffic drugs and gamble exorbitant amounts of money on these events. In fact, they are not spectators at all. They are willing participants. Unfortunately, under Delaware law, being a spectator at a dog fight is only a misdemeanor. This is not enough.

We believe being a spectator at a dog fight should be a felony in Delaware. Spectators support dog fighting by paying for admission and attending these violent events. Law enforcement officials have trouble differentiating between those who are watching and those who are fighting. Due to this, they often lack the evidence needed to charge anyone there with more than being a spectator. This would all change if attending and watching a dog fighting match is a felony as everyone involved will be punished.

Dog fighting is a spectator sport: with no one supporting or gambling on dog fighting matches, theres no point in doing it.

Please sign our petition to increase penalties for spectators of dog fighting matches in the state of Delaware!