In light of the recent news and Michael Vick’s possible involvement with dog-fighting on his property in Virginia, and the recent comment from Washington Redskins player, Clinton Portis, who defended Vick, I ask you to please read more about this barbaric “sport.” Most of this information comes from the Humane Society of the United Sates.

It is inexcusable that some people view the animal suffering involved in staged dog-fights as a form of entertainment or a way to make a profit. And it is difficult to believe that this illegal and shameful activity is on the upswing.

For those who are unacquainted with dog-fighting, it involves placing two dogs in a pit (usually an area enclosed by plywood walls) where they must fight before a crowd of cheering spectators, until one dog becomes too injured or exhausted to continue.

Dogs used in these brutal contests have been bred for maximum aggressiveness. The fights may last from several minutes to more than two hours, and the dogs usually suffer painful injuries, including multiple puncture wounds, deep lacerations, and broken bones. Dogs often die of dehydration, blood loss, infection, exhaustion, or shock as a result of a fight, and owners kill many of the losing dogs by gunshot or other methods.

Dog-fighters often use stolen pets and stray or unowned animals as training fodder for their dogs. Dog-fighters have also been known to obtain “bait” animals through “free to good home” advertisements.

Aside from the animal suffering involved, this so-called sport has several other disturbing aspects, which have been revealed by law enforcement raids. Gambling is the norm at dog-fighting events. Thousands of dollars can change hands as spectators bet on their favorite dogs. The owner of the winning dog collects anywhere from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars in presumably undeclared income.

Because large amounts of cash are present, firearms and other weapons are common at dog-fights. Violent crimes, even homicides, have been connected to dog-fighting in recent years. Furthermore, law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between dog-fighting and the distribution of illegal drugs.

The presence of children at dog-fights is especially disturbing. Exposure to such brutality can promote insensitivity to animal suffering and enthusiasm for violence. Anthropologist Margaret Mead suggested that acts of cruelty to animals committed in childhood may signify the development of an impulsive, assaultive character disorder. Animal fighting is a vicious and brutal activity that can breed violence.

Dog-fighting is against the law in all 50 states and a felony in almost every state. If dog-fighting is to be eradicated, it must become a felony in every state. Currently, promoters and trainers simply migrate from states where dog-fighting is a felony to states where the penalties are lighter or the law is not aggressively enforced. We must encourage law enforcement and the courts to take this crime seriously, if we are to stop this violent trend.

The NFL needs to take a strong stand against any player that participates in or condones dogfighting. If you agree, please write or call Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, and urge him to make a zero-tolerance policy, on dog-fighting and animal cruelty.

Jacque Solsvig

rjsolsvig (at) comcast.net

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