Animal rights advocates say more and more teenagers are getting involved in dogfighting. According to experts, the most active dogfighters are teens between 13-17 years old, who train their pit bulls to fight other dogs in their neighborhoods.

USA Today talked to Chicago-based anti-violence advocate Tio Hardiman about the problem. Hardiman says: “There are at least 100,000 young kids fighting their dogs under the radar in America."

A recent study on dogfighting from the University of Chicago found that most urban kids get involved in dogfighting to show their toughness and gain status in their neighborhood. Many of them don’t realize the danger they are putting their dogs in. Kione Ford, 16, used to be involved in dogfighting and says it "made me kind of popular." Each time one of his dogs got hurt, "I'd think, 'Well, next time he'll win.'"

Tio Hardman says dogs that are decent fighters can survive several matches before they get hurt so badly they die or are killed.:

"The life expectancy of an inner-city pit bull is 18 months. Dogs that won't fight or don't fight well are regarded as "not worthy," and they're shot, hanged or set loose."

Learn more about what you can do to prevent animal cruelty.