I would like to write on the subject of dogfighting concerning the cruelty and suffering involved. Dog fighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs of a specific breed are conditioned and trained, to fight each other for the purpose of spectator entertainment and gambling.
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe and even fatal. Many of the dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection--hours or even days after fighting. Owners train their dogs to fight by keeping smaller animals as bait animals. Often these animals are stolen pets or obtained through "free to a good home" ads.
Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many facets of this illegal and disturbing "sport". Young children are often present at these events, which promotes insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence, and lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling goes hand in hand with dogfighting. Owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons can be found at these gatherings when large amounts of cash are involved. Dogfighting has even been connected through newspaper reports to homicides and illegal drugs.
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive towards other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on animals, but people too--especially small children.
Because dogfighting yields such a high profit for its participants, minor penalties associated with this so-called "sport" are usually misdemeanor convictions and not enough to be a deterrent. Many dogfighters will absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business, and the cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the wrist. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the moment act; it is premeditated and cruel.
You might ask do some states have felony laws against dogfighting and should participating as a spectator be a felony? The answer is yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in 48 states. Spectators provide much of the profits associated with dogfighting, generating money and keeping this so-called sport alive. Because it is not well publicized, participants will seek out this activity. Any willing participants of this activity should be prosecuted also.
Here is what you can do to stop it. If you live in a state where dogfighting is still a misdemeanor, write your state legislators, urging them to make it a felony. Find out how your state treats dogfighting and find out as much as possible about your state laws.
Ask your elected officials to strengthen the state dogfighting laws by prohibiting possession and allowing law enforcement agents to seize dogs and paraphernalia used in fighting. Write your Federal representatives and ask them to support H.R. 817 and S. 382, The Animal Fighting, Prohibition Enforcement Act.
And finally write letters to the media to increase public awareness on the dangers of dogfighting and to law enforcement officials urging them to take serious steps to stop this cruelty. If you suspect that dogfighting is going on in your area, alert your local law enforcement agency and urge agency officials to contact the Humane Society Legislative Fund for practical tools, advice and assistance by contacting their website at (www.fund.org).
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe and even fatal. Many of the dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection--hours or even days after fighting. Owners train their dogs to fight by keeping smaller animals as bait animals. Often these animals are stolen pets or obtained through "free to a good home" ads.
Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many facets of this illegal and disturbing "sport". Young children are often present at these events, which promotes insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence, and lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling goes hand in hand with dogfighting. Owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons can be found at these gatherings when large amounts of cash are involved. Dogfighting has even been connected through newspaper reports to homicides and illegal drugs.
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive towards other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on animals, but people too--especially small children.
Because dogfighting yields such a high profit for its participants, minor penalties associated with this so-called "sport" are usually misdemeanor convictions and not enough to be a deterrent. Many dogfighters will absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business, and the cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the wrist. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the moment act; it is premeditated and cruel.
You might ask do some states have felony laws against dogfighting and should participating as a spectator be a felony? The answer is yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in 48 states. Spectators provide much of the profits associated with dogfighting, generating money and keeping this so-called sport alive. Because it is not well publicized, participants will seek out this activity. Any willing participants of this activity should be prosecuted also.
Here is what you can do to stop it. If you live in a state where dogfighting is still a misdemeanor, write your state legislators, urging them to make it a felony. Find out how your state treats dogfighting and find out as much as possible about your state laws.
Ask your elected officials to strengthen the state dogfighting laws by prohibiting possession and allowing law enforcement agents to seize dogs and paraphernalia used in fighting. Write your Federal representatives and ask them to support H.R. 817 and S. 382, The Animal Fighting, Prohibition Enforcement Act.
And finally write letters to the media to increase public awareness on the dangers of dogfighting and to law enforcement officials urging them to take serious steps to stop this cruelty. If you suspect that dogfighting is going on in your area, alert your local law enforcement agency and urge agency officials to contact the Humane Society Legislative Fund for practical tools, advice and assistance by contacting their website at (www.fund.org).
, I couldn't agree with you more, LegacyofLove. I am completely against dog fighting!
