Animal control officers across New Jersey are trying to put an end to the heinous blood sport of dog fighting by raising public awareness.

Lt. Richard Yocum of the NJSPCA says dog fighting is all over the state of New Jersey. Authorities consider street dog fighting and underground professional dog fights to be the most gruesome crimes against animals. In an effort to stop the cruelty, the Humane Society often puts up cash rewards for information leading to an arrest.

Just last week, animal control officers in Denville found a 2-year-old Labrador mix with more than 50 bite marks. Investigators say the dog was probably used as bait for a fighting dog. They say the bait dog is often killed in order to hide the illegal activity.

Related InformationNJSPCA - 1-800-582-5979.