How to Take Action Against Dog Fighting
The world doesn’t make much sense sometimes and we often come across problems that we have no control over. Yet when there is a chance to take action, we often put those thoughts in the back of our minds. These subjects, such as dog fighting, are important. Project Pawsitvity would like to help our readers be aware of this issue and help stop dog fighting.
Dog fighting is a blood sport in which dogs are bred to fight and it has been a problem since the 1750s. Dog fighting is a felony in all fifty states and still remains a problem in urban areas throughout the country. Due to the rapid growth of the internet, dog fighting has resurfaced due to information about fights being passed along easily.
The dogs that typically fight include:
- Staffordshire terriers
- American Staffordshire terriers
- American Bulldogs
- American pit bull terriers
These dogs are kept in isolation and live their whole lives on a short, heavy chain. They commonly known to have chopped ears and docked tails for a better shot at winning. Dogs that win are forced to fight over and over. They are also forced to breed puppies for profit. As for the unfit dogs, they are sacrificed and killed.
Greed is the reason why these dogfights occur, with major dog fight winnings as high as $500,000. Single fight winnings range around $20,000-$30,000. Fights can last for a second or two hours until one of the dogs can no longer fight. These fights are common for illegal gambling and even homicide. A detective told the New York Daily News “you can get more drugs and guns off the street by breaking up dog rings than you would breaking up drug rings.”
There are a number of ways you can make a difference and take action when it comes to dog fighting. Dog fighting is not only for the police to advocate; anyone can make a difference.
Here are 5 ways to be an advocate against dog fighting:
- Get involved in the End Dogfighting Campaign: This program gives support to underserved communities. Training is provided for people with pitbulls.
- Spread the word: A sensitive subject such as dog fighting can be hard to be open about, so spreading the word with postcards or brochures keeps the information in the back of people’s mind.
- Educate those around you: Nothing says motivation more than educating your group of friends or family about the problem.
- Donate to Animal Cruelty Response and Reward Fund: This fund saves animals from the cruelty of dog fighting rings.
- Write to your state legislators: Make a difference and change the law. Take a stand to stop dog fighting within your state or county.
Dogs or any other animals don’t deserve to fight against each other for sport or any other reason. It is time to take a stand and be a voice for the animal that can’t speak for themselves. It’s time to take action and stop dog fighting.
Any other forms of action to add? What do you think is the most helpful? Let us know your thoughts.