The state director of the Humane Society recently visited Syracuse, NY to join with Cuse Pit Crew and strike a blow against dog fighting rings.
The two organizations compiled their resources to offer a cash reward of up to $7,000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals involved in organized fighting circuits.
A week before the decision to offer the reward, the Cuse Pit Crew flier-ed their community to raise awareness of fighting rings and hopefully net a few tips that could save the lives of dogs trapped in these heinous fighting rings. That’s when the Humane Society decided it could do more to help the local cause.
If you or members of your community share the concerns of the Humane Society and the Cuse Pit Crew, or you suspect that dog fighting might be occurring your neighborhood, these are the telltale signs that the MSU Animal Legal & Historical Center says to look out for:
1. Dogs
Large amounts of dogs present in one location–not a kennel, shelter or veterinarian hospital–might indicate a ring. Sadly, Pitties are the most commonly fought breed and a strong indicator. The unyielding stereotype about Pit Bulls being a violent breed continue to be perpetuated by the inhumans that fight them.
2. People
It’s possible that your local law enforcement has a database of known dog fighters. If you observe suspicious individuals who meet the above and below criteria, the police may be able to confirm whether that person has a record of fighting.
3. Signs of Training or Matches
An actual pit, or arena, is usually a surefire sign of fighting. These pits tend to be found in basements or abandoned buildings. Various training equipment such as treadmills, bite sticks, or jump poles are also strong clues.
4. Signs of Transport
Look for high numbers of portable kennels or the frequent loading/unloading of dogs into vans or trucks.
5. Vitamins, Drugs, Food Supplements and Veterinary Implements
According to MSU, “most dog-fighters do not take their animals to a veterinarian for treatment for fear of exposure,” so large amounts of medical supplies where you wouldn’t expect could also be a sign.
6. Physical Evidence of Bookmaking/Contest
This could be trophies, photos, title cards, ledger slips or the exchange of money in a fashion consistent with betting.
7. Technology
Specifically, film production technology. Fighters love to tape their fights and post to the iternet or share with fellow scumbags.
It’s important to be aware of this criminal activity in your neighborhood, if not for the dogs themselves then for the community. The brutality of the crime aside, dog fighting frequently engenders more crime wherever dog fighting occurs. In the words of the NY state director of the Humane Society:
“We have to make an investment in law enforcement so law enforcement understands that animal cruelty is not something that is happening in a vacuum somewhere off on the side. Animal cruelty is a crime, it is a serious crime that is connected with other violent behavior.”
Hopefully it won’t take a cash reward to inspire people to put an end to the dog rings in their community, but the Cuse Pit Crew has literally put its money where its mouth is. It wants animal cruelty to end, no matter the cost.
If you or someone you know suspects dog fighting or any form of animal cruelty in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call the Humane Society of the United States at 1-877-TIP-HSUS.
