DOG FIGHTING IS ANIMAL ABUSE!!!! IT IS NOT A SPORT AND IT NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!
DOG FIGHTING FACTS:
1. What is dogfighting?
Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight—are placed in a pit (generally a small arena enclosed by plywood walls) to fight each other for the spectators' entertainment and gambling. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dogfights end when one of the dogs will not or cannot continue. In addition to these dogfights, there are reports of an increase in unorganized street fights in urban areas.
2. How does it cause animal suffering?
The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, even fatal. The American pit bull terriers used in the majority of these fights have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones.
Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight. Other animals are often sacrificed as well. Some owners train their dogs for fights using smaller animals such as cats, rabbits or small dogs. These "bait" animals are often stolen pets or animals obtained through "free to good home" advertisements.
3. Are there other concerns?
Yes. Numerous law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal "sport." Young children are sometimes present at the events, which can promote insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and a lack of respect for the law. Illegal gambling is the norm at dogfights. Dog owners and spectators wager thousands of dollars on their favorites. Firearms and other weapons have been found at dogfights because of the large amounts of cash present. And dogfighting has been connected to other kinds of violence—even homicide, according to newspaper reports. In addition, illegal drugs are often sold and used at dogfights.
4. What other effects does the presence of dogfighting have on people and animals in a community?
Dogs used for fighting have been bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people. Children are especially at risk, because their small size may cause a fighting dog to perceive a child as another animal.
5. Why should dogfighting be a felony offense?
There are several compelling reasons. Because dogfighting yields such large profits for participants, the minor penalties associated with misdemeanor convictions are not a sufficient deterrent. Dogfighters merely absorb these fines as part of the cost of doing business. The cruelty inherent in dogfighting should be punished by more than a slap on the hand. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice.
Those involved in dogfighting go to extensive lengths to avoid detection by law enforcement, so investigations can be difficult, dangerous, and expensive. Law enforcement officials are more inclined to investigate dogfighting if it is a felony. As more states make dogfighting a felony offense, those remaining states with low penalties will become magnets for dogfighters.
6. Do some states already have felony laws?
Yes. Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states and a felony offense in almost every state.
7. Should being a spectator also be a felony?
Yes. Spectators provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this "sport" alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight; they seek it out. They are willing participants who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance.
8. What can I do to help stop dogfighting?
If you live in one of the states where dogfighting is still only a misdemeanor, please write to your state legislators and urge them to make it a felony. To find out how your state treats dogfighting, visit our page on State Dogfighting Laws.
We encourage you also to write letters to the media to increase public awareness of the dangers of dogfighting and to law enforcement officials or prosecutors and judges to urge them to take the issue seriously.
<a
Television
Books
Heroes
Big Hearts & Wet Noses's Details
Status:
Single
Here for:
Networking, Friends
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Big Hearts & Wet Noses Only through awareness can we make this stop Posted at 6:24 AM May 12, 2008 view more
About me: I have been very busy recently and will be adding more photos of fur babies that found their loving homes soon
Our mission at Big Hearts and Wet Noses is to rescue, care for, treat, and adopt out as many abused and homeless animals as we possibly can while spreading the word about the horrible facts of animal abuse and all it's different forms. We thank you for your support and time.
..
What Constitutes Animal Cruelty?
Acts of violence or neglect perpetrated against animals are considered animal cruelty. Examples include overt abuse, dog fighting and cock fighting, and companion animals being neglected or denied basic necessities of care, such as food, water or shelter. Animal welfare organizations across the country work daily to educate people about how to care for their companion animals and how they can prevent animal cruelty.
Many people who witness, or hear about cruelty, are not aware that legal action can be taken to help stop the problem. Companion animals are primarily covered by state animal cruelty laws, which vary from state to state and county to county. These laws may be confusing to people who want to help animals in distress but are not clear on what constitutes animal cruelty.
Generally, animal cruelty can be divided into two categories:
Neglect and Intentional Cruelty:
Neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care. Neglect is often the result of simple ignorance on the animal owner's part and is usually handled by requiring the owner to correct the situation. If the problem is not corrected, the animal may be removed from the neglectful person by law enforcement authorities. In some cases, the owner will simply turn the animal over to authorities because they no longer want the responsibility.
Intentional cruelty is often more shocking and usually an indicator of a serious human behavior problem. Intentional cruelty is when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal.
The ASPCA and other organizations with cruelty investigation authority have arrested many individuals, who have deliberately maimed, tortured or even killed animals. Although many individuals are arrested for intentional cruelty, people who commit even the most heinous crimes against animals are often not prosecuted to the full extent of the law. In states where animal cruelty is considered a misdemeanor, individuals who commit intentional cruelty crimes against animals can receive, at most, one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Often, perpetrators receive no more than probation.
Someone who is violent towards animals may be violent towards family members or other people.
Animal cruelty laws vary from state to state:
38 states and the District of Columbia currently have laws that make intentional cruelty a felony charge, while 12 states treat neglectful cruelty and intentional cruelty as a misdemeanor. Many animal cruelty laws specifically exclude accepted animal husbandry practices involving farm animals, animals used in research, and lawful hunting and trapping of wildlife. Many states now require the person convicted of cruelty to undergo psychological evaluation and counseling, in addition to paying a fine or being imprisoned. An increasing number of states are instituting cross training and reporting programs involving social service workers who are likely to see cases of animal abuse during the course of their work in domestic violence and child abuse.
This development arises from the research validating the "link" between animal abuse and human violence. A number of states provide civil and criminal immunity to veterinarians who report suspected cases of animal abuse to law enforcement authorities since they are likely to be the first ones to come in contact with an abused animal.
Enforcement of animal cruelty laws can be carried out by local police or by humane or municipal agencies that are granted power from the state or local government.
How You Can Help:
If you witness or hear about animal cruelty taking place, report it to your local humane organization or call your local police. Become a member of the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and take an active part in passing legislation. Send all inquiries to government@aspca.org or call the Government Affairs & Public Policy department.
Teaching future generations to respect animal life will make our society more humane. Make sure schools in your town include humane education as part of their curriculum. Contact the ASPCA at education@aspca.org for classroom resources. If you want to adopt a pet, go to your local shelter first. You can also log onto www.Petfinder.com our online adoption partner, to search the Internet's largest directory of animals available for adoption. If you own a pet, be responsible and provide it with annual veterinary checkups and preventative medical care; spay or neuter your cat or dog to reduce pet overpopulation and urge your friends to do the same.
Support your local animal rescue organization or shelter with donations of money, food or supplies. Volunteering your time or fostering a shelter animal is a good way to make a difference. Fostering helps socialize abused or frightened animals before they are adopted
Do Not support fashion made with fur....PLEASE watch this (VERY GRAPHIC) Fashion using fur is one of the cruelest industries around.
<
Good Job Paula !! Sorry when you called this morning I didnt realize today was Friday I thought it was Thursday and Carol is off on fridays !! As soon as I hung up I realized it was Friday ! All my days seem to run together.... Anyways I am Tabitha I have been working for Dr.Logan for 11 years now...Glad to be taking donation calls for you !!! Keep up the good work !!!
20% off all purchases the month of May and free shipping on the next purchase!! Use the Promo Code: rocket New products arrive all the time!! Get your Birthday Loofa's here!!!!
Sign up for Rockets Barkday Club @ www.puppypartyplace.com and receive birthday greetings for your fur baby and special offers from The Puppy Party Place.
Thanks for supporting RIVERKEEPER on MySpace! Black Warrior RIVERKEEPER is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization which has addressed over 15,500 Clean Water Act violations through legal actions since 2002. Here's to cleaner water in Alabama!
PLEASE ADD OUR FUNDRAISING BADGE: **Widget instructions - Please paste our fundraising widget on your profile: 1. Go to our page, find the fundraising badge on the top right. 2. Click "add to profile," then click copy to clipboard. 3. Then you have to paste the code that was just copied to your clipboard back into your myspace site (in the "edit profile" section. Paste the code wherever you want the badge to appear on your profile.
MyHotComments My Dearest Friend & Sister.. Thank You so much for being my friend..I look forward to our friendship..& to working with you to protect the precious innocents in the earth..If I've already sent this..forgive me..got worried I hadn't & because I sincerely mean all I say here..better you receive it twice than not at all..Since I value & appreciate genuine friendship..please know that I am always here for you & your loved ones..to talk..for prayer..any delay in my getting back to you after you contact me will only be because for some reason I'm not yet aware you've contacted me.. know that from now on... you & your loved ones will be continually before my eyes.. in being on my mind.. and in my heart and prayers.. as Jesus enables me this.. and in Jesus' Name.. let you and your loved ones be blessed to overflowing so that all your needs are met and more.. be happy and healthy.. be enabled enduring peace of mind & heart.. be loved & favored by all.. be free from all fear & worry.. be successful in all you do... see all your hopes & good dreams come true in becoming the everyday realities of your lives.. and be aggressively protected & sheltered from all harm and injury.. every moment of every day.. always.. "Bye" for now.. my love & a hug.. Lynn.. Take Care My Dearest Friend & Sister..
..
