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share thisDog fighting - the blood sport
EDITOR: The Humane Society of the U.S. (HSUS) is offering up to $5,000 reward for the apprehension and conviction of criminals engaged in dog fighting. According to the HSUS, more than 40,000 people are involved organized dog fighting nationwide.
Dog fighters force animals to mutilate each other for their own sense of sick entertainment. Dog fighting is closely associated with illegal gambling, drugs, gangs, guns and crimes. According to Pennsylvania's Attorney General, Tom Corbett, Children are often present at dog-fighting matches and exposing them to this type of violence is just one of the many dangers associated with the subculture of animal fighting. Young minds that are exposed to a culture of violence against animals often become desensitized to the cruel and vicious acts. Extensive research shows that people who abuse animals are more likely to abuse people.
Dog fighting involves placing dogs in a pit (often made from plywood) to fight each other until one of the dogs can no longer continue. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs in dogfights involve severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones and their injuries are sometimes fatal. Dogs used in dog fighting events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are sacrificed as well. Some owners will train their dogs for fights using smaller "bait" animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs; these animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.
Animal advocates consider dog fighting to be one of the most serious forms of animal abuse, not only for the violence that dogs experience during and after the fights, but because of the suffering they often endure in training. At least one major study alleges that the prevailing mind set among dog fighters is that the more the dog suffers, the tougher he will become and the better fighter he will therefore be. Often a losing dog or one whose potential is considered unacceptable faces being put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gunshot, electrocution or some other method resulting in death.
Dog fighting is a felony in 50 states. Being a spectator at a dogfight is also a felony, according to Tom Corbett. Corbett said that Pennsylvania ranks ninth among U.S. states for the toughest dog-fighting laws. Animal fighting is a third degree felony punishable by up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Individuals with information about animal fighting are encouraged to call their local law enforcement authorities or the HSUS at 877-TIP-HSUS. Financial rewards will be provided by The HSUS once it is confirmed that the information provided to law enforcement led to an arrest or conviction.
Patricia Scala
Ridgebury
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