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Afghan Dogfighting Resurges

Thousands flock to weekly events

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 28, 2008 6:06 AM CST
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(Newser) – Dogfighting in Afghanistan is experiencing a major resurgence since the fall of the Taliban, with weekly fights in many communities and purses as high as $50,000, reports the New York Times. The Taliban banned the practice as un-Islamic, but the fights are now as popular as ever. Twice weekly matches in the capital of Kabul draw thousands of spectators, all male.

“The interest of the people is increasing day by day,” said one spectator. “Even if people are starving, they’ll still keep dogfighting.” Dogs are often pulled apart once a victor is determined before one can seriously injure the other. Fans vowed the event will never die. "It's something from our ancestors," said an owner of a group of fighting dogs.

Dog owners separate the dogs during a fightf in the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan.
Dog owners separate the dogs during a fightf in the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
A man pits two dogs against one another in a fighting event on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan.
A man pits two dogs against one another in a fighting event on the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Dogs battle as Afghan men watch during a dog fight outside Kabul, Afghanistan.
Dogs battle as Afghan men watch during a dog fight outside Kabul, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Handlers supervise a dog fight outside Kabul.
Handlers supervise a dog fight outside Kabul.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Dogs battle in a match outside Kabul, Afghanistan.
Dogs battle in a match outside Kabul, Afghanistan.   (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
Shannonals
Dec 30, 2008 10:21 PM CST
blood-letting and stoning is a current practice in several countries, even here in the, (illegally), US.
Guest
Dec 29, 2008 2:39 AM CST
Oh, yes they do. To this day more people are "Stoned" to death in islamic countries.
Guest
Dec 28, 2008 6:09 AM CST
Maybe they should send Former NFL QB Vick here.

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Afghanistan • Taliban • dog • extreme sports • sports fans • dog fighting

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