Yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state.
Animal Control Services FAQ's
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Yes. Profits come from admission fees and gambling. Since the fights are illegal and not advertised, spectators don’t happen upon fights- they look for them. They are willing participants who support criminal activity.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Yes. You can call the Division of Animal Control at 216.664.3069 between the hours of 7:30am and 3:00pm, 7 days/week.
Last updated: 01/02/2020 - 11:13am
At this time the Animal Control Officers will pick up stray dogs, stray injured cats, and trapped nuisance wildlife (skunks, groundhogs, opposums, and raccoons). Call the Division of Animal Control at 216.664.3069.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
The Division of Animal Control can help you between 7:30am and 3pm, 7 days/week, or you can register online at the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer's Website, or call the County Dog Warden at 216.525.7877 for a location near you.
Last updated: 01/02/2020 - 11:14am
The Division of Animal Control humanely destroys animals. Certified Technicians humanely euthanize stray dogs, cats, and trapped nuisance wildlife by lethal injection when needed.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
You can pay your fine by mail or at the Clerk of Courts Office located on the 3rd floor of the Justice Center. The Justice Center is located at 1200 Ontario Street, Cleveland, Ohio (map). The phone number is 216.664.4966. See the back of the citation for full instructions.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Under City Ordinance 603A, exotic pets are not permitted. See the full list of the animals and the ordinance for more details.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Many dogfight injuries are life-threatening and cause death. Most fights feature pit bulls which have been bred and trained for fighting. They cause bruising, puncture wounds, and broken bones with their powerful jaws. Dogs often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection. Some owners train their dogs for fights with cats, rabbits or smaller dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained from "free to good home" ads.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Because participants can make a lot of money at it, misdemeanor penalties are not strong enough to make them want to quit. It is cruel and premeditated.
Dogfighters go to great lengths to avoid being caught by Police, making investigations difficult, dangerous, and expensive and officials are more likely to investigate dogfighting if it is a felony. As more states make dogfighting a felony, states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters.
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm