Dogfighting puts bite on animals, children, and communities

Dogfighting abounds in every city nationwide. Some are large-scale, such as disgraced football player Michael Vick's case, and some are low-scale, like those in some backyards of Corning and Tehama County.

Whether it's an impromptu fight in our own back yard or a well-planned tournament at a discreet rural location, dog fighting is everywhere. In recent years, it has reached epidemic proportions. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that there are more than 40,000 people involved in organized dog fighting and 100,000 informal street dog fighters in the United States.

What happens in a dogfight? According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), dogs, usually pit bulls, are bred and trained to fight each other to the death or until one dog can't continue -- all for the amusement of spectators and the profits from high-stakes gambling. Fights can last for hours, as the dogs are trained to continue even after suffering serious wounds. Dogs who can't fight are abandoned or mercilessly killed by electrocution or gunshot, some are just dumped on the side of the road to die from their injuries, or thrown into garbage receptacles to die.

How does dog fighting affect people? Dog fighting not only hurts animals but also endangers a community's safety. Illegal drugs and firearms are commonly found at the scene of animal fighting events. Young children brought to matches are desensitized to violence and taught that cruelty is acceptable, said the HSUS.

Evidence shows that those who commit dog fighting crimes and other forms of animal abuse are more likely to be violent toward people. According to a three-year study by the Chicago Police Department, 65 percent of the people arrested for animal abuse crimes, including dog fighting, were also arrested for violent crimes on people, stated HSUS.

Is there really dog fighting in Corning and Tehama County? Yes, there is. Maybe not Michael Vick style, but it is here nonetheless. Dog fighting is pervasive and can take place in any community.

Cockfighting just as illegal as dogfighting

Although many people think cock fighting is a thing of the past, just like dog fighting, it is illegal in all 50 states, and this vicious blood sport is prevalent in our own back yards.

Roosters are bred for maximum aggression and then pit against each other in fights to the death. The birds fight with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling curved ice picks strapped to their legs. These weapons cause painful injuries such as punctured lungs, gouged-out eyes, and broken limbs. Even the "winners" often die. Trash bins overflowing with dead and dying animals are a common sight at cockfights.

Second Chance teams up with HSUS

Second Chance Pet Rescue is teaming up with the Humane Society of the United States in their $5,000 reward program for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a dog fighter OR cock fighter. Your identity will be protected. For more details about the reward program, call the HSUS at 202-452-1100.

Posters, brochures, and baseball cards are available to any business, school, group, or individual in Corning and Tehama County who would like to put an end to this illegal sport and stop the violence in our community. Posters have already been put up at the Corning Police Department, Sheriff's Department, District Attorney's Office, Animal Shelters, and various businesses in Corning. Please support the stop of violence and contact Second Chance Pet Rescue to obtain your poster now.

Learn the truth about pit bulls, many of whom make great pets. One of Michael Vick's "fighting" dogs is now a certified Therapy Dog, going into hospitals to bring joy and smiles to the sick and elderly. One of the best ways to help these animals is by dispelling the stigma and myths associated with the breed and stopping the violence that happens to them and impacts our own humanity.

If you suspect dog or cock fighting contact the Corning Police Department at 824-7000 or Tehama County Sheriff Department at 529-7900.

 The Corning Animal Shelter and Second Chance Pet Rescue can be reached at 530-824-1985.

  What to look for:

  Some of the signs of dogfighting

  1. A large number of pit bulls held in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized.

  2. Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs, hind ends, and thighs.

  3. Dog fighting training equipment such as treadmills and tires hanging from trees.

  4. Many people visiting a location at odd hours.

  Some of the Signs of cock fighting

  1. A large number of roosters held in one location tethered to a crude shelter (often a simple A-frame wooden structure) or confined in pens.

  2. Roosters who have had their combs, wattles, and natural spurs cut off.

  3. The sound of roosters crowing, coupled with large congregations of people in remote barns, orchards, or fields.