"The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds, and broken bones.
Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits, or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements."
SNIP
"Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people. Children are especially at risk, because their small size may cause a fighting dog to perceive a child as another animal."
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/dogfighting_fact_sheet/
We have duty and power over these animals to treat them well, and it is wrong to abuse it. Animals may be property, but they are not like a computer or a sofa. They are living, breathing, feeling creatures. We certainly don't need to treat them like the Chicoms.
"While those who abuse people also are likely to abuse animals, the reverse is true as well. Research indicates those who abuse animals are far more likely to commit acts of violence against people."
SNIP
"The Latham Foundation cites nine common situations in which this lack of control translates into animal abuse:
To control an animal's behavior. Cruel or excessive punishment is often used in an attempt to modify a pet's behavior, or to eliminate unwanted behaviors. In many cases, correction is administered impulsively rather than as part of any consistent training effort.
To retaliate for perceived wrong. Those who seek retaliation or revenge often believe an animal misbehaved "deliberately" or "out of spite." The perpetrator takes satisfaction in "getting back at" the pet and "making it pay."
To retaliate against another person. An abuser wishes to inflict pain and suffering upon a human victim, and does so by inflicting harm upon a beloved pet. Batters may use threats or retaliation against a pet to control the behavior of a spouse, partner or child.
Out of prejudice against a species or breed. Some perpetrators abuse because the "hate cats" or "hate dogs," or hate a particular breed. In some cases, this is based upon cultural or social biases.
To express aggression through an animal. Some abusers train animals to attack other animals or even humans. In this case, the abuser is literally using an animal as a weapon to inflict harm and vent anger.
To enhance one's own sense of, or experience with, aggressiveness. For some, abusing animals provides a sense of strength and power. For others, it's a way of "training" aggressive skills and, in many cases, "working up to" acts of violence against humans. In gangs or cults, members may be required to demonstrate their commitment and aggression by killing or maiming animals.
To shock, amuse or show off. Some perpetrators enjoy demonstrating their willingness to hurt animals-to demonstrate how "tough' they are or because it amuses them and their friends.
To express displaced hostility. A person who cannot lash out against an abuser may, instead, displace that anger onto a more vulnerable target, such as a pet.
Out of sadism. In some cases, perpetrators commit acts of cruelty simply because they derive pleasure from the pain, suffering or death of the victim."
http://www.geocities.com/hrhangell/article2.html