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Dog fighting is a horrible reality, one that I never fully understood until I started working with rescue groups. The extent of abuse is absolutely staggering. I’ve seen what it does to dogs first hand and not just pit bulls and Rottweilers. Even small dogs are touched by this deplorable activity.

The first dog I ever took under my wing was a survivor of a New Orleans dog-fighting ring. When I first met him, I was terrified, not knowing what to expect. Jazz, a pit bull/mastiff mix was covered in sores. Scars plastered his face and his legs were swollen and almost as large as mine. It was a tragic sight. What was even more upsetting was that he still had a love for people even after he was abused by them. It seemed like all he wanted to do was be loved. That’s why pit bulls are the preferred choice for dog fights – they are so loyal to their masters, they will do anything for them, even if it means severe pain or death.

Kris Crawford, founder of Knock Out Dog Fighting, has become a national leader in stopping cruelty and abuse to animals. “As with any illegal underground activity, it is impossible to determine how many people are involved in the illegal blood sport of dog fighting,” Crawford said. “Estimates based on fight reports in underground dog-fighting publications, dog-fight raids and busts, and on animals entering shelters with evidence of fighting, suggest that the number of people involved in dog fighting in the U.S. is over 40,000. With fight purses as high as $100,000, the dogs can earn their owners thousands of dollars in gambling profits and by producing puppies with a desirable bloodline.”

            It’s a no-win situation for the dogs. They are forced into a life of violence and suffering. Even the people who rescue animals have second thoughts when they encounter a dog from the fights.

 “In a similar fate to the dogs that were tortured and killed in the pit, or by the hands of their owners, the rescued dogs will also die, usually alone and afraid in the shelters where they get sent after being confiscated,” Crawford said. “They will have been saved only to fall victim once again, this time to a system that places little value on their lives. Although their method of execution will certainly not be as horrific, the end result is death, just the same.”

According to a 1997 study by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.

In a groundbreaking effort against dog fighting, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has partnered with The Humane Society to launch a 24-hour tip line dedicated to eradicating dog fighting. Callers to 1-877-NO2FITE may be paid up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved. Callers may remain anonymous and still remain eligible for the reward.

“Our goal is to encourage citizens to help law enforcement root out a brutal crime that often goes unreported and occurs in the shadows,” District Attorney Steve Cooley said. “We expect that these tips will be a starting point for major criminal investigations.”

Here are some facts about dog fighting:

 

• Organized dog fighting or street dog fighting is a felony in California, with a potential three-year prison sentence.

• Being present at a dogfight or while preparations are being made for a dogfight is a misdemeanor in California, with a potential six-month jail sentence.

• An estimated 40,000 organized dogfighters exist in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 250,000 dogs each year.

• Tips on dog fighting often lead to other crimes like drug dealing and weapons possession.

 

            It’s a frightening thing and some people turn a blind eye to abuse. But for me, all I have to do is think of Jazz and the other dogs I’ve met that have been victimized. Somehow, that makes it a little easier to do the right thing.

 

Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com,  FusaroPhotography.com.

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