Dog fighting, in and of itself, is a horrific pastime. Dogs are forced to tear at each other, sometimes for hours, until the match is called. Dogs who try to turn away and not fight are thrown right back into the ring. And if they turn away again, they are executed, sometimes in horrific ways. Throughout the match, humans are betting, cheering and taking pleasure in watching the pain and suffering of mans best friend. But that is just a portion of the cruelty these dogs endure. Since canines were domesticated they have turned to humans for food, comfort and companionship. We selectively bred them to be intensely bonded to people. In addition, dogs are social creatures and do not do well living without any social interactions. Fighting dogs are not family pets. They live their lives on the end of heavy logging chains to build up neck muscles for fighting. The only shelter they have is at best a wooden dog house or old barrel, open to the elements. They are fed cheap, poor quality food and watered sporadically. No matter how severe their injuries, or any medical condition they may develop, they are never taken to see a vet. They are not considered sentient beings, they are only alive to serve as entertainment for sub-human sociopaths. It has taken years, but finally dog fighting is considered a felony across the country. Animal welfare groups have become intensely involved in investigations and prosecutions of dog fighters. This past week marked a heartening turn of events for those animal lovers on the front lines. US District Court Judge Keith Watkins handed down sentences for the 8 people charged with running a multi-state fighting ring which lead to 367 dogs being rescued. Sentences ranged from 6 months to 8 years....the longest sentence ever given for a dog fighting conviction. Throughout the sentencing phase of the trials Judge Watkins referenced the extreme cruelty that was manifested by the way the dogs lived. These dogs suffered from emaciation, parasites, babesia, heartworms, ear and eye infections. Although these dogs have moved on to a happy life as family members, there are other dogs still suffering. Right this minute there are dogs being fought somewhere in this country. We must all be aware and not turn a blind eye to the signs that a fighting ring is operating in our communities. The dogs deserve better. humanesociety.org/news/press_releases/2014/11/strong-sentences-handed-down-al-dogfighting-111214.html
Posted on: Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:12:08 +0000
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