A newly formed database of dog DNA is expected to help in legal battles against organized dog fighting.The database was established by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

The database contains DNA profiles from dogs that were seized during dog fighting investigations as well as profiles from samples collected at suspected dog fighting venues.  

The way the system works is that when a dog is seized from a dog fighting raid, cheek swabs are collected and submitted to the laboratory for DNA testing. Investigating agencies may also submit DNA from unknown sources such as blood drops.

The DNA profile is then searched against the Canine CODIS database. If there is a match, or “hit,” the agency submitting the new sample and the agency that submitted the original CODIS sample are given each other’s contact information.  

“From there, it is up to those two investigating agencies to discuss their confidential case information,” Merck said. “They may find ways their cases are linked that may enhance or bolster their investigations. When we did this on the original 400 dogs, we found links between multiple defendants from the different crime scenes – all through the dogs’ DNA.”  

In court, the DNA evidence can be used to link a suspected dogfighter’s dog to the bloodlines of other known fighting dogs in the database, or to a previously unknown sample found at a suspected dog fighting site. Wictum said the VGL has testified in animal cruelty cases before, and the new database should work to strengthen future cases.

“Veterinarians can play a role by urging law enforcement to submit samples from seized fighting dogs, even if those cases aren’t going to trial,” Wictum said. “Their DNA may help to put someone else in jail.”