Participating in any dogfighting activities—including watching a dogfight—is a felony in the state of Florida. The so-called "bloodsport" causes immeasurable suffering to the animals who are subjected to it and often goes hand-in-hand with illegal activities such as gambling, drugs, weapons and other criminal activities.

It is easy and safe for citizens to report suspected dogfighting activities:

• Call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS or visit www.crimeline.org (completely anonymous, tips may be eligible for cash rewards)

Not sure what to look for to spot potential animal cruelty or dogfighting? Below are signs that may indicate abuse is happening in your neighborhood.

Also check out HSUS's Neighborhood Watch for Animals Tip Sheet.

Identifying Animal Cruelty

Check out this list of signs that may indicate an animal needs help:

Physical Signs:

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet's neck
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn't being treated
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal

Environmental Signs:

• Pets are tied up outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

Identifying Possible Dogfighting

• A large number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained or kenneled and seem unsocialized
• Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs and stifle area (hind end and thighs)
• Dogfighting training equipment, such as:
  • treadmills used to build dogs' endurance
  • "break sticks" used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle
  • tires or "springpoles" (usually a large spring with rope attached to either end) hanging from tree limbs 
• Unusual foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours

Tips courtesy of HSUS and ASPCA.

Orange County Animal Services has partnered with Crimeline of Central Florida to help combat animal cruelty in Orange County. Crimeline accepts anonymous tips about animal fighting and animal cruelty. Tips may be eligible for a CASH REWARD of up to $1,000 if it leads to the arrest of an animal fighter or a person committing felony animal cruelty.

Crimeline does not use caller ID and does not record phone calls made to 800-423-TIPS. It also does not trace or track IP addresses for tips made via www.crimeline.org. It is completely anonymous!

PLEASE NOTE: Citizens are always welcome to call Orange County Animal Services directly by dialing 3-1-1. Callers may request to remain anonymous if reporting animal neglect or cruelty.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) also offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting or cockfighting. For more information about its program, visit HSUS Reward Program.