Window on a cruel world

Until this week, dogfighting was something many Americans heard about in passing and quickly forgot.

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Because much of the public has been unaware of the details, enthusiasts have gotten away with calling dogfighting a sport and themselves "fanciers." What they really fancy is cruelty.

The dogs, typically American pit bull terriers, are bred as killing machines. At fight sites shrouded in secrecy, two dogs are placed in pits, usually 16-by-16 feet. Spectators wager, sometimes thousands of dollars. The dogs do battle, tearing into each other's flesh until one is dead or can't move. The loser is sometimes shot. Those are the lucky ones. Others are electrocuted; it makes less noise.

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Educating police and the public on the horrors of dogfighting is the surest way to spur stronger laws, tougher penalties and more prosecutions.

For now, the dogs born into this brutal world have little hope. Those rescued in raids — including many of the 50-plus found on Vick's property — are almost always euthanized. Dogs bred to kill dogs can't be adopted.

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