Dogfighting: Crime Scene Investigations for Law Enforcement

Dogfighting: Crime Scene Investigations for Law Enforcement

Presenter:
Dr. Jennifer Bonovich

Who should attend: Animal Control Officers, law enforcement officers, shelter management personnel, veterinarians, and prosecutors who may encounter suspected dogfighting activity in the course of their duties.

Cost: 

• SCACCA Members FREE
• Non-members $35 (includes one year SCACCA membership)

Description: 

Dogfighting remains one of the most challenging and complex forms of animal cruelty encountered by law enforcement and animal welfare professionals. Successful investigations require a thorough understanding of dogfighting culture, terminology, evidence recognition, scene processing, and multi-agency collaboration.

This intensive one-day training is designed for Animal Control Officers, law enforcement officers, shelter management personnel, veterinarians, and prosecutors who may encounter suspected dogfighting activity in the course of their duties. Participants will learn how to recognize indicators of dogfighting, identify and document physical evidence, examine dogs for signs consistent with fighting activity, and develop cases that support successful prosecution.

Led by Dr. Jennifer Bonovich, the course combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on exercises. Morning lecture sessions will cover dogfighting activity in South Carolina, common terminology, the lifecycle and conditioning ("keep") of fighting dogs, dogfighting paraphernalia, crime scene indicators, proper documentation techniques, and considerations for multi-agency operations. Participants will also learn best practices for safely approaching, entering, and processing suspected dogfighting properties.

During the afternoon practical exercises, attendees will work in teams to process realistic mock dogfighting scenes, including a fighting pit and dog yard. Participants will photograph evidence, identify and document investigative findings, complete scar charts, and conduct live dog examinations. Teams will then present their findings and participate in a guided case review focused on evidence recognition, documentation, and investigative decision-making.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be better prepared to recognize, investigate, document, and support the prosecution of suspected dogfighting cases while working effectively with partner agencies and subject matter experts.