Dog Fighting is a sadistic blood sport that affects all of society. Dog fighting promotes other crimes such as cruelty to animals, violence to others, theft (pets used as bait dogs), illegal gambling, drug trafficking and prostitution to name a few. A study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Boston’s Northeastern University shows that those who attend dog fights and witness other forms of animal cruelty are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people.
According to an article from GoodNewsForPets.com, “in cities across the nation, dog fighters and animal abusers are some of the most violent offenders in the criminal justice system". Animal abusers are more likely to commit:
- violent acts against humans
Why should dogfighting be a felony offense?
According to HSUS (Humane Society of the United States), "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 wrist. Dogfighting is not a spur-of-the-moment act; it is a premeditated and cruel practice".
Help make Dog Fighting and Spectatorship a Federal Felony Offense with the penalties to match. Dog fighting Class B offense - 25years or more. Spectatorship (1st offense) Class E offense – less than 5 years, but more than 1, (2nd Offense) Class D offense - 5 to 10 years.
