The story of the Vicktory Dogs — survivors of dogfighting who found new lives at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in 2008 — proved that dogs are not defined by their past traumas.
These dogs, once written off as dangerous, showed resilience, love, and the ability to thrive in homes. Sadly, laws in several states still restrict or prohibit the adoption of dogs seized in dogfighting cases, denying them the chance to be evaluated as individuals.
Best Friends’ advocacy team continues to work toward repealing outdated laws and replacing them with legislation that treats every dog fairly. Below are summaries of the states where current legislation restricts dogs seized from fighting cases.
Colorado
C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5
- Defines “dangerous dogs” to include any dog that engages in or is trained for animal fighting.
- Dogs seized under suspicion of fighting may be labeled dangerous even without evidence of aggression toward humans.
Louisiana
LSA-R.S. 14:102.6(A)(2)
- Declares fighting dogs as “dangerous, vicious, and a threat.”
- Seized dogs are considered contraband and may be euthanized immediately.
- Officers and veterinarians are not held liable for euthanizing dogs seized in these cases.
Minnesota
M.S.A. § 343.31
- Establishes a rebuttable presumption that a dog is trained for fighting if they show wounds or scarring and if fighting-related equipment is present.
- Dogs may be seized and deemed dangerous weapons.
- Owners can request a hearing and may regain custody under strict conditions, but dogs can be euthanized if not redeemed within 10 days.
North Carolina
N.C. ST Chapter 14 Article 47 § 14-363.2 & § 67-4.1
- Courts may order final custody decisions for confiscated animals in cruelty or fighting cases.
- Defines “dangerous dogs” as those owned, harbored, or trained for fighting.
Oklahoma
21 Okl.St.Ann. § 1699
- Following a dogfighting conviction, courts must order the destruction or forfeiture of all equipment, facilities, and dogs used for fighting.
- Defines “fighting dog” as any dog trained, being trained, or intended for fighting.
South Carolina
SC ST 47-3-710
- Considers any dog owned or trained for fighting as a “dangerous animal.”
- Notably, the law specifies that breed alone does not make a dog dangerous.
South Dakota
SDCL § 40-1-11.1 & § 23A-37-9
- Dogs seized in dogfighting cases are classified as contraband and “property of an illegal nature.”
- Such dogs must be destroyed under current law, with no option for rehabilitation or adoption.
Moving Forward: Treating Dogs as Individuals
Since 2011, Best Friends has successfully worked with states like Delaware, California, Florida, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to repeal outdated laws.
The goal is to ensure that every dog — including those seized in fighting cases — is evaluated individually for adoptability and not automatically deemed dangerous or unadoptable.
