We all know that dog fighting is a serious problem, especially with pitbulls.Despite being wonderful companion animals, Pit Bulls often attract the worst kind of dog owners—those who are only interested in them for fighting or protection. It's a shame what has happened to this loyal and affectionate breed. Despite its illegality, people are still training and breeding Pit Bulls to participate in dog fights across the country. Here are ten ways you can help end this cruel “sport”:

1. Support stronger laws. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center to keep up to date on dog fighting legislation in your state.

2. Alert the media! Your local newspaper and television station are always looking for stories, especially investigative ones—be sure to contact them about the cruelty and dangers of dog fighting.

3. Call or write your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating dog fighting cruelty should be a priority. Dog fighting is a CRIME — and the police MUST investigate these cases.

4. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you suspect dog fighting in your own neighborhood, contact the police or your local animal control officer. Provide as much information as you can, such as the date and time you noticed something wrong, the address or location, and what led you to believe there was dog fighting taking place.

5. Protect your pets. Dog fighters sometimes steal companion animals to use as bait dogs. Don’t let your animals outside without supervision, and make sure they have proper identification tags and are microchipped.

6. Adopt a Pit Bull and let your perfect pooch be an ambassador for the breed! Be sure to read our Pit Bull adoption tips before you start your search.

7. Set a good example for others. If you are already the proud parent of a Pit Bull, be sure to always show them the love and good care that they deserve. And always let others know what great companions they make!

8. Volunteer! If your local shelter is facing a Pit Bull dilemma, volunteer to help keep adoptable Pit Bulls and Pit mixes mentally and physically fit by exercising them or taking them to obedience classes. You can also lead a chew-toy drive at work to collect rawhides or hard rubber playthings to keep them busy, or help create a fundraiser to support a free sterilization program for Pit Bulls in your local shelter.

9. Educate others in your community about the horrors of dog fighting and start a neighborhood watch program.

10. Teach your children. Do your kids have questions about dog fighting? Visit our children's website, ASPCAKids, for information about dog fighting that's written especially for kids.

Please, act quick, because dog fighting is begining to be a very serios problem, which we MUST stop.