15 Surprising UK Pet Spending Statistics to Know in 2023

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

From veterinarian bills to pet therapy, it can feel like there are so many options for spending our money on our pets. They are an integral part of family life in the UK, but how much do owners spend on them? We’ve looked into pet spending in the UK to see exactly where owners in the UK are spending their money and how much. We’ve broken the statistics into these three categories:

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15 Surprising UK Pet Spending Statistics

  1. The annual value for pets and pet-related products is estimated to have reached £9.66 million in 2021.
  2. The majority of owners spend about £26–£50 on their pets per month.
  3. It’s estimated that the UK spends £10 billion a year on their pet dogs.
  4. 58% of owners buy birthday and Christmas presents for their pets.
  5. 52% of UK adults own a pet.
  6. In 2020, the price of puppies increased by 131% compared to the previous year.
  7. The UK pet food market is now worth a total of £3.3 billion.
  8. In the last 2 years alone, Amazon UK pet food sales have grown by 67%.
  9. In 2018, the dog treat market value reached a high of £462 million.
  10. Vegan cat food can be up to 10 times more expensive than traditional food, but one in 20 people purchase it for their pet cats.
  11. Over half of pet owners admit to underestimating how much it can cost to own a pet.
  12. The highest earners spend the most on their pets, an average of £14.40 per week.
  13. Owners spent over £4 billion on veterinary care and other services in 2021.
  14. Pets at Home is one of the leading pet retailers in Europe and saw revenue of over £1.14 billion in 2021.
  15. 35% of pet owners admit to spending more money on therapy for their pets than themselves.

divider-multipetPet Spending Statistics

1. The annual value for pets and pet-related products is estimated to have reached £9.66 million in 2021.

(Statista)

It’s now believed there are over 50 million pets in total in the UK, which is a considerable drop since 2013 when the pet population peaked at 73 million. Despite this drop, the UK pet industry is thriving as this value of £9.66 million represents a 270% increase from 2005.

customer returning things at pet store
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock

2. The majority of owners spend about £26–£50 on their pets per month.

(Modern Retail)

Some people prefer to shop in-store than online, but online sales have helped boost the pet industry’s profits. Owners of large breed dogs spend more every month on supplies than those owning smaller breeds or cats.


3. It’s estimated that the UK spends £10 billion a year on their pet dogs.

(Groom Arts)

Pet owners spend £8 billion on their cats and nearly £200 a year on pet clothes. However, dogs remain the most popular pet in the UK, followed by cats, birds, and fish.


4. 58% of owners buy birthday and Christmas presents for their pets.

(Modern Retail and the Mirror)

During the Christmas season of 2022, it was estimated that UK owners spent £875 million on their dogs and cats despite the current cost of living crisis.

dog with party hat and birthday cake
Image Credit: Ruth Black, Shutterstock

5. 52% of UK adults own a pet.

(PDSA)

27% of adults in the UK own a dog, with an estimated population of 10.2 million dogs, while 24% of adults own a cat, with an estimated population of 11.1 million cats. On average, it will cost an owner at least £11,000 to look after a cat throughout its lifetime, whereas a dog will cost between £5,000–£12,200.


6. In 2020, the price of puppies increased by 131% compared to the previous year.

(Pets4Homes)

In May 2020, there were 420 prospective buyers for every puppy available, which means the average price of puppies increased by an incredible amount. In 2019, the average price an owner would expect to pay was £808 compared to 2020, where the price had risen to £1,875.

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Food Industry Spending Statistics

7. The UK pet food market is now worth a total of £3.3 billion.

(Food Manufacture)

The largest markets are dogs at £1.59 billion and cats at £1.27 billion. Following this are outdoor birds at £345 million, fish at £69 million, small mammals at £54 million, and indoor birds at £13 million.

a couple with dachshund dog at a pet store
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

8. In the last 2 years alone, Amazon UK pet food sales have grown by 67%.

(VentureForge)

Dog and cat food generates revenue worth £11.5 million per month (£138 million per year) on Amazon UK. Pet supply sales have also increased by 79%.


9. In 2018, the dog treat market value reached a high of £462 million.

(Statista and Modern Retail)

This value has increased every year since 2007. Most owners buy treats at a pet store (41%) or supermarket (34%), while only 10% of people get theirs online. 23% of people buy treats as part of a weekly shopping trip, while 32% shop for them monthly.


10. Vegan cat food can be up to 10 times more expensive than traditional food, but over one in 20 people purchase it for their pet cats.

(Retail Times and vegan.com)

With 6% of people investing in vegan cat food, it shows a change in the pet food industry. However, the trend is not supported by most veterinarians, who recommend feeding carnivorous felines a high-protein diet composed primarily of meat.

Tabby cat eating wet food
Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock

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General Spending Statistics

11. Over half of pet owners admit to underestimating how much it can cost to own a pet.

(Companion Life)

The Dogs Trust states that since July 2021, it has experienced a 100% increase in traffic on its “giving up your dog” page. Training and caring for pets can be overwhelming for some owners, and financial issues are one of the reasons pets are surrendered to shelters.

two chihuahua dogs inside the pet store
Image Credit: Bussakorn Ewesakul, Shutterstock

12. The highest earners spend the most on their pets, an average of £14.40 per week.

(Statista)

It might be unsurprising, but the UK consumers with the highest 10% of gross income spend the most on their pets and pet food per week.


13. Owners spent over £4 billion on veterinary care and other services in 2021.

(Statista)

Insurance doesn’t cover all costs, so even if you have pet insurance, you will still be expected to cover some costs yourself. Vaccinations and dental work, for example, aren’t generally covered by insurance companies.

veterinarian examining dog with xray on the wall
Image Credit: GoodFocused, Shutterstock

14. Pets at Home is one of the leading pet retailers in Europe and saw revenue of over £1.14 billion in 2021.

(Statista)

Pets at Home operates more than 452 stores in the UK and has seen an increase in revenue over the last decade, going from £517 million in 2011 to £1.14 billion in 2021.


15. 35% of pet owners admit to spending more money on therapy for their pets than themselves.

(Retail Times)

As people returned to the office after the lockdown, they worried about its effect on their pet’s mental health. Owners are apparently more willing to pay for therapy to combat their pet’s stress levels than their own therapy.

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Frequently Asked Questions About UK Pet Spending Statistics

How Much Is the Pet Industry Worth Worldwide?

In 2021, the pet care market was worth approximately $150.67 billion globally and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. (Grand View Research)

man in pet store
Image Credit: LADO-Shutterstock

Has the Cost-of-Living Crisis Forced People to Spend Less on Their Pets?

71% of owners are willing to spend more on their pets than on themselves. It’s estimated that people spend almost £500 annually on luxury items like special treats and toys for their pets. (Retail Times)

Why Do People Own Pets?

According to PDSA, 87% of owners believe their pet has made them mentally healthier. So, while people are arguably feeling the pinch from the cost-of-living crisis, pets are one expense the British public will not give up any time soon. And this is probably for the best because it’s a scientific fact that pets can be good for your physical and mental health! (PDSA)

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Conclusion

The pet industry clearly has a strong future ahead of it, as spending increases across the UK despite the cost-of-living crisis. While dogs and cats continue to be a firm favorite, UK pet parents also enjoy caring for the birds and fish in their lives. It’s clear by how much people spend, as people invest in their animals’ mental welfare and diets, that the UK loves its pets, just like the rest of the world.


Featured Image Credit: Tyler Olson, Shutterstock

The post 15 Surprising UK Pet Spending Statistics to Know in 2023 appeared first on Pet Keen.

12 Surprising Australia Pet Insurance Statistics to Know in 2023

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

The number of pets in Australia has steadily increased over the years, and more pet owners have begun to see their pets as a part of their family. Considering how important our pets are to us, it is no surprise that the pet insurance industry in Australia continues to grow.

If you are interested in learning more about Australian pet insurance statistics, including statistics regarding costs and demographics, this article has your curiosities covered. Whether you’re a pet parent, a member of the pet insurance industry, or simply someone interested in learning more, you’ll want to read over these surprising statistics.

 

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12 Australia Pet Insurance Statistics

  1. 23% of Australian pet owners report that they have not taken their pet to the vet within the year.
  2. Between 2022 and 2027, the veterinary health market is expected to increase by 9.75%.
  3. Veterinary consultations are the most common veterinary expenses, making up 23% of all instances.
  4. 60% of pet owners with pet insurance believe that their pet insurance is more than worth the cost.
  5. Australians can expect to pay an average of $500–$600 per veterinary visit.
  6. People with cats may pay around $1,000 in pet insurance each year, whereas dog owners can expect double that amount.
  7. $4.7 billion was spent on veterinary care in Australia in 2022.
  8. Australians spent $1.1 billion on pet insurance in 2022.
  9. On average, the most expensive veterinary treatment in Australia for dogs is for Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS), costing an average of $16,926.
  10. When it comes to veterinary visits, there is an average difference of $82 spent between pet owners of the Boomer generation and Generation Z.
  11. Pet insurance ownership varies between dog and cat owners, with 30% of dog owners and 21% of cat owners having their pets enrolled.
  12. Pet owners in Victoria, Australia, spend $200 more on average per vet visit.

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General Australia Pet Insurance Statistics

1. 23% of Australian pet owners report that they have not taken their pet to the vet within the year.

(Statista)

Less than a quarter of pet owners in Australia report not taking their pets to the vet during 2022. That means that over three-quarters of pet owners have gone to the vet; consequently, over three-quarters of pet owners in Australia have had veterinary bills sent their way. Only 15% report that they have taken their pet once, meaning most pet owners had repeat visits to the vet throughout the year.

a couple with pet signing insurance contract
Image Credit: Drazen Zigic, Shutterstock

2. Between 2022 and 2027, the veterinary health market is expected to increase by 9.75%.

(Mordor Intelligence)

The market value for veterinary healthcare in Australia is expected to grow steadily over the next five years. While COVID-19 played a significant role in this growth (due to the spike in pet ownership during the earlier points in the pandemic), much of the continued growth can be attributed to key investments from large corporations, such as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.


3. Veterinary consultations are the most common veterinary expenses, making up 23% of all instances.

(Animal Medicine Australia)

Consultations make up nearly a quarter of vet visits for both dogs and cats. For dogs, surgery is the second-most common expense, coming in at 14% of all visits. For cats, the next in line is a tie between after-hours emergency visits and illnesses, which are nearly as common as consultations at 21%.

a veterinarian holding a white dog
Image Credit: Viktor Gladkov, Shutterstock

4. 60% of pet owners with pet insurance believe that their pet insurance is more than worth the cost.

(Finder)

The number of claims that pet parents make on their pet insurance has been rising in recent years. Much of this is due to the effects of COVID-19, which put people and their pets in the same room for longer periods than ever before. With this prolonged exposure, pet owners were likelier to notice something amiss with their pets and take them to the vet. As the number of vet visits increases, the importance of pet insurance is becoming more widely recognized.

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Pet Insurance Statistics Regarding Costs

5. Australians can expect to pay an average of $500 – $600 per veterinary visit

(Statista)

Several hundred dollars per veterinary visit is no number to scoff at. Since most pet owners in Australia take their pets to the vet more than once per year, that can mean they are billed for thousands of dollars. When it comes to more expensive treatments, pet owners could even expect a bull as large as $23,000.

elderly border collie dog in spectacles considers buying pet insurance
Image Credit: Pixsooz, Shutterstock

6. People with cats may pay around $1,000 in pet insurance each year, whereas dog owners can expect double that amount.

(RSPCA)

Cat owners spend an average of $962 on veterinary expenses per year, whereas dog owners spend around $1,627 each year. These numbers are not surprising, considering that Australian pet owners spent around $13 billion on their pets in 2019.


7. $4.7 billion was spent on veterinary care in Australia in 2022.

(Animal Medicine Australia)

Pet owners in Australia spent $4.7 billion on veterinary care in 2022, making it the second-most common expense following pet food ($17.1 billion). Pet healthcare products are another hot item on the market, as pet owners spent $2.9 billion on such products during the year.


8. Australians spent $1.1 billion on pet insurance in 2022.

(Animal Medicine Australia)

$1.1 billion was spent on pet insurance, making it Australia’s sixth-largest pet care expense. Certain traits may make a person more likely to enroll their pet in pet insurance, such as living in a city, having a higher income and steady employment, earning a higher education, and having experience owning pets.

person holding pet insurance form
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock

9. On average, the most expensive veterinary treatment for dogs in Australia is for Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS), costing an average of $16,926.

(RSPCA)

Veterinary treatment is costly, which is evident by looking at the average price of treatment for BAOS. With an average of nearly $17,000, this treatment could easily break the bank. The second most expensive treatment is for cruciate disease ($15,582), while the third is for mast cell tumors ($8,184).

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Pet Insurance Demographics

10. When it comes to veterinary visits, there is an average difference of $82 spent between pet owners of the Boomer generation and Generation Z.

(Finder)

Generation Z Pet owners spend more on their pets per visit. An average of $630 per visit is expected from Generation Z pet parents, whereas the other generations pay slightly less. Generation Y pays around $609 per visit, Generation X pays around $582, and Boomers pay about $548.

couple with a dog getting a pet insurance
Image Credit: Robert Kneschke, Shutterstock

11. Pet insurance ownership varies between dog and cat owners, with 30% of dog owners and 21% of cat owners having their pets enrolled.

(RSPCA)

From 2019, 30% of all pet care-related expenses were funneled toward pet insurance and other miscellaneous costs. 30% of dog owners enrolled their pets in pet insurance, whereas 21% of cat owners enrolled theirs.


12. Pet owners in Victoria, Australia, spend $200 more on average per vet visit.

(Finder)

Your pet’s healthcare costs may vary depending on where you are in Australia. Those living in Victoria spend the most on veterinary visits, averaging around $724 each time. This is followed by South Australia, with $574 per visit, Queensland ($492), and New South Wales ($450). There is limited information on the other regions of Australia.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Pet Insurance

What Does Pet Insurance in Australia Cover

What your pet insurance will cover depends largely on the policy you pick. Basic insurance policies will only cover accidents, but comprehensive ones will cover illnesses and accidents.

(RSPCA)

a woman explaining an insurance document to a couple
Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov, Pexels

How to Pick Pet Insurance

Choosing the right pet insurance for you and your pet can be tricky. The insurance world can often feel like a maze, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To get started, consider the company’s reputation and ease of use.

The reputation of a pet insurance company is a great way to determine how helpful it will be in a crisis. If several users have heaps of praise for a particular company, that can indicate that they are supportive when you and your pet are in need. On the other hand, if you can only find negative reviews of a company, that may be a sign that they are not very helpful when you need them to be.

A company’s ease of use is another critical matter to consider. If their policies are easy to find, understand, and handle, your pet insurance experience is much more likely to be a positive one. On the other hand, if their plans are a hassle to get through, you’re much more likely to be adding extra stress to your pet’s veterinary visits.

Of course, consider which services you want coverage for. If your pet has special needs, you will want to verify that the policy is prepared to help you cover those costs.

(Pet Insurance Australia)

How Much Money Can You Get Back from Pet Insurance?

It is challenging to determine the exact amount that you will be able to see returned to you. That is because the reimbursement amount depends on what you want to be reimbursed for, how much you want to be reimbursed for, and your policy agreement. If your pet insurance policy does not cover what you need reimbursement for, you will not get any costs covered.

The reimbursement rate will determine how much of a refund you are eligible for. For instance, if your reimbursement rate is 85%, you qualify for up to an 85% reimbursement on your veterinary expenses.

(Pet Secure)

Why Do Some Pet Parents Avoid Pet Insurance?

With all of the benefits of pet insurance, some may wonder why other pet owners aren’t jumping on the bandwagon. The most common reason uninsured pet owners cite is the pet insurance’s lack of value. 47% of dog owners and 48% of cat owners say that they do not see pet insurance as worthwhile.

The other common reasons for avoiding pet insurance include the costs (43% for dog owners and 42% for cat owners) and a lack of research or awareness of pet insurance (18% for dog owners and 16% for cat owners).

(Pet Secure)

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Conclusion

Although pet insurance is not new, it is still considered somewhat unique in Australia. As the number of pet owners increases, the need for proper veterinary care will also increase, likely leading to a rise in pet insurance enrollment. Being aware of the current statistics surrounding pet insurance is the best way to keep up with the recent shifts and trends.


Featured Image Credit: thodonal88, Shutterstock

The post 12 Surprising Australia Pet Insurance Statistics to Know in 2023 appeared first on Pet Keen.

10 Disheartening Canada Dog Fighting Statistics to Know in 2023

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.

Dog fighting is a heinous and illegal sport where two dogs are pitted against one animal and forced to fight. These fights typically don’t end until one of the dogs is dead.

Though dog fighting isn’t as common today as it was when it first began increasing in the mid-1800s, it still happens. Despite the sport being illegal throughout much of the world, it is still an underground activity that the layperson is blissfully unaware of. This is especially true in countries where the sport wasn’t really popular to begin with, such as Canada.

Though dog fighting is horrific and cruel, educating ourselves on the topic is better than pretending it doesn’t exist. Keep reading to find ten statistics about dog fighting and its history in Canada.

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10 Disheartening Canada Dog Fighting Statistics

  1. In 2015 and 2016, 64 Pitbull-like dogs were seized after dog fighting investigations in Ontario.
  2. Over 200 items were seized in Tilbury, Ontario, in a dog fighting investigation in October 2015.
  3. Sixty-seven charges stemming from the dog fighting case in Ontario were dropped in 2018.
  4. Nineteen seized Pitbulls in Ontario were destroyed after being used in a dog fighting ring in 2001.
  5. Eighteen Ontario fighting dogs were saved from death row in 2017.
  6. A wallaby used as bait for a dog fighting ring was rehabilitated in Calgary petting zoo in 2019.
  7. A Pitbull rescued from a dog fighting ring in Ontario now works as an arson detection K9.
  8. Dog fighting has been illegal in Canada since 1892.
  9. Bill C-84 was introduced in 2018 to strengthen Canadian laws around animal fighting.
  10. Canadians charged in connection to dog fighting rings may receive a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000.

divider-dog pawDog Fighting Investigations in Canada

1. In 2015 and 2016, 64 Pitbull-like dogs were seized after dog fighting investigations in Ontario.

(Ontario SPCA)

dogs fighting
Image Credit: Dmussman, Shutterstock

In 2015 and 2016, the Ontario SPCA Major Case Management Team worked alongside the provincial police and local police services to investigate suspected dog fighting operations. These investigations led to 11 search warrants on three properties in the province. The investigation led to the seizure of 64 Pitbull-like dogs, as well as other evidence like veterinary supplies and documents.


2. Over 200 items were seized in Tilbury, Ontario, in a dog fighting investigation in October 2015.

(Global News Canada)

In October 2015, police, alongside Ontario SPCA agents, raided a compound in Tilbury, Ontario. They seized 31 Pitbulls and over 200 other items, including vitamin supplements, wound kits, surgical tools, training schedules, training kits, muzzles, sticks, and harnesses for weight training.

The dogs were attached to chains tied to metal stakes outside and were covered in scarring consistent with dog fighting. The investigation also found anabolic steroids at the compound and dog fighting contracts.


3. Sixty-seven charges stemming from the dog fighting case in Ontario were dropped in 2018.

(Justice for Bullies)

Two men charged in the Tilbury, Ontario investigation, went on to have their charges stay in 2018. Their lawyer argued that the legal proceeding was taking too long, violating his client’s rights. The judge agreed with this statement, so there was no trial for the accused, and 67 of the charges concerning this investigation were dropped.

One co-accused did receive sentencing, however. Robert Tomlin pled guilty to one count of causing unnecessary pain to an animal. He received a four-month conditional sentence and two years of probation. He was also given a $200 fine.


4. Nineteen seized Pitbulls in Ontario were destroyed after being used in a dog fighting ring in 2001.

(The Globe and Mail)

In 2001, an Ontario man named Kevin Monster was charged with running illegal dog fights and animal cruelty. An 11-year-old girl forced to work with Monster spoke in a video interview about the things she saw on Monster’s farm. She said he owned 19 Pitbulls that he used for dog fighting. Dogs that lost in a fight would be taken to the field and destroyed. The girl also told police how Monster would force kittens to run on treadmills as live bait to help train the fighting dogs.

As a result of this case, the 19 Pitbulls were seized from the farm and destroyed.

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Happier Endings

5. Eighteen Ontario fighting dogs were saved from death row in 2017.

(Global News Canada)

two dogs fighting
Image Credit: Katrin B., Pixabay

During the aforementioned Tilbury, Ontario investigation, 31 Pitbulls were seized. Five people were charged with weapon and animal cruelty charges. These people also had provincial charges for owning Pitbulls. Three dogs were euthanized immediately due to medical reasons, and the remaining 28 had to have behavioral evaluations. Of these 28, 21 were deemed menaces to society and irredeemable.

The Ontario SPCA had to apply to have the dogs destroyed, which led to a public outcry. The defense lawyer and an animal organization asked for a second assessment, which showed some improvements in most dogs. However, one remained dangerous and was euthanized, two passed away while in OSPCA care, and the remaining 18 were saved from death row. These dogs were then sent to the USA for rehabilitation.


6. A wallaby used as bait for a dog fighting ring was rehabilitated in Calgary petting zoo in 2019.

(CBC News)

Pablo, a five-year-old wallaby, found its way into Alberta’s Cobbs Adventure Park in 2019 after living in a drug house and being used as bait in a dog fighting ring. Located in Calgary, Cobbs focuses on exotic animal rescue and is home to kangaroos, iguanas, snakes, sugar gliders, and more.

Though the park rescued Pablo, it took him some time to make himself at home there. Mike Shepherd, co-owner of Cobbs, says that Pablo was covered in dog bites when he arrived at the park. His fur was shaved on the back, as that was where dog fighting trainers would teach dogs to bite. Pablo was very erratic and unpredictable and had an extreme fear of humans for the first months of his stay, but he’s now made himself at home and has warmed up to humans again.


7. A Pitbull rescued from a dog fighting ring in Ontario now works as an arson detection K9.

(CTV News)

In 2020, a New Jersey fire department hired the state’s first-ever Pitbull arson detection K9 officer. What is even more impressive about this feat is that Hansel, the dog in question, was rescued from an Ontario dog fighting ring when he was just seven weeks old. Hansel, along with his sister and 19 other dogs, were destined to be integrated into the dog fighting ring had they not been rescued.

Hansel trained with a non-profit organization, Throw Away Dogs Project, for a year. The non-profit focuses on repurposing, training, and relocating “misunderstood dogs.” Once he graduated from this program, Hansel enrolled in a 16-week K9 academy to become a certified arson detector.

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Canadian Law and Dog Fighting

8. Dog fighting has been illegal in Canada since 1892.

(Blue Line)

two american bulldogs fighting
Image Credit: Zeralein99, Shutterstock

Dog fighting has long been illegal in Canada. In 1892, animal cruelty laws were introduced, deeming it a crime to cause unnecessary suffering of an animal. Until recently (see statistic 9), it was very difficult to prosecute dog fighting cases. For many years, it was illegal to engage in animal fighting but not to train dogs to fight or to accept money from the “sport.” Law enforcement essentially needed to catch perpetrators in the act to convict them.


9. Bill C-84 was introduced in 2018 to strengthen Canadian laws around animal fighting.

(Government of Canada)

Bill C-84 was introduced in 2018 to amend the Criminal Code to better address the term “bestiality” and to make it illegal to breed or train animals to fight, to own or provide a fighting arena, or to profit from animal fighting. In addition, the bill made anyone affiliated in any way with dog fighting, even if they only acted as transportation for the dog or built the fighting arena, as guilty as the person training the animals to fight.


10. Canadians charged in connection to dog fighting rings may receive a prison term of up to five years or a fine of up to $10,000.

(Government of Canada)

According to Section 445.1(1)(b) and 447 of the Criminal Code, Canadians caught wilfully causing or permitting unnecessary pain or injury to any animal or promoting, aiding in, or receiving money for the fighting or baiting of animals will receive punishment. People committing such crimes are guilty of one or two offenses.

If they are found guilty of an indictable offense, they are liable to a prison term of no more than five years. If found guilty of an offense, punishment on summary conviction, they are then liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a prison term of no more than two years minus a day.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Fighting

What is dog fighting?

Dog fighting is a blood sport where dogs are forced to fight each other, usually to the death, for spectators’ gambling or entertainment purposes. They’re often held in barns, pits, garages, or warehouses. Dog fighting generates revenue from admission fees, gambling, and stud fees.

Two dogs fighting on the ground
Image Credit: GeorgyL, Shutterstock

Why isn’t dog fighting illegal globally?

Many countries have banned dog fighting now, though it is still illegal in some places, such as Japan, Albania, and Honduras. It is still widely practiced in Russia, despite laws prohibiting the “sport” being passed in some cities.

Why does anyone get involved with dog fighting?

It is shocking that a “sport” rooted in abuse could be entertaining for anyone. Unfortunately, the sad truth is that more than 40,000 Americans participate in organized dog fighting.

There are many reasons someone might get involved with the “sport” of dog fighting, but it usually comes down to greed. Dog fight raids have seized more than $500,000, and it’s not unheard of for $30,000 to change hands during a single fight.

For some people, it could be the attraction of using dogs as an extension of themselves to fight their battles and demonstrate strength and power.

Can dog fighting dogs be rehabilitated?

Yes. Despite the abuse and mistreatment that fighting dogs face, it is possible to rehabilitate dogs bred for fighting. This isn’t the case every time, however.

Fighting dogs live brutal lives. They’re chained, starved, and beaten. They’re taught to ignore the pain and never give up in a fight, regardless of how badly they’re injured. Such irresponsible breeding and training can cause severe behavioral issues like fear or aggression.

Some dogs can learn to adjust to life as pets or working dogs through rehabilitation.

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Conclusion

Canada has had very few dog fighting cases, especially compared to their neighbors to the south. Though the sport is not as well-rooted in Canada as in other countries, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. There very well could be underground dog fighting rings flying under the radar.

Sadly, though dog fighting is illegal throughout most of the world, there is too much money to be made in the sport. There will always be some greedy, soulless person looking to make a quick buck at the expense of sweet dogs. All we, as animal-loving citizens, can do is remain vigilant and report any behaviors we think may appear suspicious. You never know how many lives you could save by speaking up when you believe animal abuse is occurring.


Featured Image Credit: Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock

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