Put a Stop to Dog Fighting
On July 18, 2007, the world was exposed to the harshrealities of the highly secretive industry of dogfighting. NFLstar quarterback, Michael Vick was indicted on charges forrunning an underground dogfighting operation. He wouldlater plead guilty for the charges that were broughtagainst him and served 23 months in prison and fined$5,000 dollars. This case was a stark reminder thatdogfighting is a problem and has been long before MichaelVick’s dogfighting scandal.
These cases are sometimes difficult to identify if you are not a part of the dogfighting society, howeverthat does not mean that it is impossible.
Have you noticed or felt concerned about a neglected and/or injured looking pit-bull type dog?
Have you noticed suspicious activity at a residence where a large amount of kenneled pit-bull typedogs are kept?
These are signs of possible dog fighting activities and reporting your suspicions lead to the prosecution of dog fighting suspects. Tips can be reported to local authorities or a nationwide tip line provided by the National Humane Society at 877-TIP-HSUS, rewards are paid out to tipsters whose information leads to the successful persecution of dog fighting suspects.
Facts about Dogfighting
- Dog fighting is a felony offense in all 50 states and being a spectator at a dog fight is illegal.
(Laws and penalties vary by state.) - Popular dogs used in breeding for dogfighting are: American Pit Bull Terriers, AmericanStaffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
- Live “bait” animals are used to test the aggressiveness of a fighting dog. These animals are usedin multiple ways such as tying them up on a rope to aggravate thefighting dog or the bait animal is thrown into the pit to be mauledto death by the fighting dog. Bait animals range from kittens,rabbits, or smaller dogs. Many trainers will look for free to goodhome ads to find as bait.
- There are two types of dog fighting: pit fighting and street fighting.
- Street fighting is less formal, may happen spontaneously and typically occurs in an emptyparking or alley.
- Pit fighting traps two dogs in a pit to prevent from escaping and the fight ends until one dog isdead or both dogs are unable to fight any longer.
- Losing dogs are usually killed.
- The winners continue to be used in fighting as well as used for breeding.
- A large percentage of dogs trained for dogfighting are very aggressive and are euthanized afterbeing seized by authorities.