Spotting the Signs of Dogfighting

Due to the conviction of Michael Vick and his recent release from home detention, the national spotlight has been focused on the cruelty of dogfighting. Dogfighting has been a thriving industry for many years, but the Humane Society of the United States reminds us there are many ways we can help:

1. The Humane Society offers up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting.

2. If you suspect dogfighting in your neighborhood, alert local law enforcement.

3. Write to your legislators and urge them to impose stricter laws and support better funding for the enforcement of animal fighting laws.

4. Write letters to the editors of local papers about cruelty and the dangers of dogfighting.

These are just some of the ways we can help--visit http://www.humanesociety.org/ for more information and in the meantime, be alert for signs of dogfighting in your community:

--an inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized

--dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, hind end and thighs

--dogfighting training equipment, such as treadmills (used to build dogs' endurance), "break sticks" (used to pry apart the jaws of dogs locked in battle)

--unusual amount of foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.

(from The Humane Society of the United States 11/2/09)

Cracking Down on Animal Cruelty...

By a vote of 71 to 26, the Indiana House of Representatives passed H.B. 1258, which strengthens our state's animal cruelty laws. The bill was introduced by Rep. Linda Lawson, R-Hammond, and will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to crack down on animal cruelty as follows:

--Requires pet stores to provide information to customers about the animal's history
--Requires shelter that protects horses from the elements
--Makes the promotion of a dogfighting or cockfighting event a predicate offense under the racketeering statute
--Makes it a Class D Felony to attend a dogfight or cockfight.

The House is now urging the Senate to pass this piece of legislation quickly: "..we have worked hard to make this bill acceptable by members on both sides of the aisle," Lawson said, .."we hope now the Senate will join us in sending a message that Indiana is not a safe haven for those who abuse, mistreat or fight animals."

Anne K. Sterling, Indiana State Director for the Humane Society of the United States says: "we applaud legislators for taking action to crack down on the entire cast of characters involved in animal fighting, and to protect pets and consumers by ensuring that people have information regarding the origins of puppies in pet stores."

Best Friends applauds them too!

(From http://www.humanesociety.org/)