Larry French/AP Images for The HSUS
Guest blog by Missy John, 13 year Sioux Falls Animal Control Officer
We have all heard the term and we have all seen the images via media. It's a brutal hobby that puts all of the suffering on another. It's all over the United States and yes, even in the Midwest. It is not biased to race, sex, or economic stature. Unfortunately, for as many people as part take in this illegal sport, just as many keep the secrets of these rings.
Some say, it's just an animal or not my business. But in reality dog fighting brings not only animal cruelty to your neighborhood, but also likely gang affiliation, drugs, and the criminals that are involved in these rings. They effect families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Signs
These rings do not advertise except in their small circles. You may see frequent gatherings of people in a desolate area. There may be frequent dogs that come and go. Dog fighters will usually have a large amount of medical supplies (gauze, stitching material, saline bags), because wounded dogs don't usually go to a veterinarian.
Many rings are mobile or disposable. Plywood or old doors for walls and roll up carpet. You will likely find start lines chalked on the floor.
So, what do you do if you have information on dog fighting? Contact your local law enforcement. Explain in detail what you have observed and when. Of course some are afraid to come forward or just don't want their name involved. In those circumstances, contact your nearest CrimeStoppers and file an anonymous report. Please remember to leave as many details as possible to help investigators resolve a dog fighting issue quickly.
Dog fighting is society's concern. We can work together to make a better and safer community for everyone.
Some say, it's just an animal or not my business. But in reality dog fighting brings not only animal cruelty to your neighborhood, but also likely gang affiliation, drugs, and the criminals that are involved in these rings. They effect families, schools, and neighborhoods.
Signs
These rings do not advertise except in their small circles. You may see frequent gatherings of people in a desolate area. There may be frequent dogs that come and go. Dog fighters will usually have a large amount of medical supplies (gauze, stitching material, saline bags), because wounded dogs don't usually go to a veterinarian.
Many rings are mobile or disposable. Plywood or old doors for walls and roll up carpet. You will likely find start lines chalked on the floor.
So, what do you do if you have information on dog fighting? Contact your local law enforcement. Explain in detail what you have observed and when. Of course some are afraid to come forward or just don't want their name involved. In those circumstances, contact your nearest CrimeStoppers and file an anonymous report. Please remember to leave as many details as possible to help investigators resolve a dog fighting issue quickly.
Dog fighting is society's concern. We can work together to make a better and safer community for everyone.
The Humane Society of the United States assisted the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department in the rescue of 21 dogs from a suspected dog fighting operation in Jefferson County, West Virginia on Thursday, June 25, 2015. The dogs range in age from 10 months to early teens, and some have scars consistent with dogfighting. The authorities also found an area they suspected was used for staging fights and dogfighting paraphernalia. The dogs will be held at a temporary shelter where they will receive needed veterinary care and enrichment, after which they will be evaluated for potential placement with HSUS Dogfighting Rescue Coalition placement partners. Larry French/AP Images for The HSUS
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