His face is a mass of deep cuts, as are his shoulders and neck. Both of his front legs have been broken, but he isn’t ready to quit. At the referee’s signal, his master releases him, and unable to support himself on his front legs, he slides on his chest across the blood and urine stained carpet, propelled by his good hind legs, toward the opponent who rushes to meet him. Driven by instinct, intensive training and love for the owner who has brought him to this moment, he drives himself painfully into the other dog’s charge... Less than 20 minutes later, rendered useless by the other dog, he lies spent beside his master, his stomach constricted with pain. He turns his head back toward his owner for some kind of approval to only get a bullet in brain.
Where do you stand on dog fighting? Have you ever thought about it.
Strangely, Ive found a lot of people who say they are against dog fighting , turn there heads and do nothing when they see it happening. So is that being against dog fighting or just not participateing in the fights. There is a difference.
Today I will share three negative effects caused by dog fighting. In doing so I hope you will take a proactive stand against dog fighting. But first I will give you some background and history on dog fighting.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that there are at least 40,000 dogfighters in America, though that number seems to underestimate the epidemic of street fighting in urban areas. The history of dog fighting traces back to ancient Roman times when they fought against other animals in the Coliseum. The practice of pitting dogs against other animal continued through medieval times in England until it was outlawed in 1835. Around that time, the Staffordshire Bull terrier was developed and modern dog-fighting was born. The dog was brought to America in 1817 and dogfighting became part of American culture. Although dogfighting had become illegal in most states by the 1860’s, it continued to flourish as an American pastime. Dogfighting was outlawed in all the states by 1976, it did not begin to receive serious law enforcement attention until recently. Dog fighting is now a underground criminal activity that continues to thrive in America.

Know that you now no a little about dog fighting and it's history I am going to explain 3 negative effects caused by dog fighting. First I will explain the effect on the dogs and other animals. Second I will explain the effects on the community. Third I will explain the effect on people especially children.

The suffering caused to the animals is almost undescribale. It is estimated by some government sources that on average about 16,000 dogs are killed each year in organized dog fights and that number continues to grow. They are the lucky ones. Losers that do not die do not get vet attention. they suffer with their wounds which many times get infected. They also may be tortured and starved. all while living unspeakable conditions. Has for other animals, personal pets like yours in your yard are stolen and used as "bait" to train fighting dogs, often suffering before they die.
You are now aware of the suffering of the animals but the suffering is far from over. I will know explain the negative effects on the community. Dog fighting promotes crime, such as cruelty to animals, violence to others, theft, drug use/possession/distribution, illegal weapons use/possession, and gambling. It also creates fear in our neighborhoods of being attacked or killed by dogs. Convicted dog fighters often have criminal records that include such significant crimes as assault/battery, arson, weapons charges, burglary, drug charges, and attempted murder.
Dog fighting decreases the livability in our neighborhoods because often times, illegal kennels are established to breed, train, and house fighting dogs. These kennels are responsible for odor from feces, flies, rats, and other vermin attracted by feces and spilt food. These kennels also generate excessive noise due to barking, people coming and going at all hours, and loud music used to "drown out" fighting and training noises.
Long term, dog fighting effects the community by promoting a culture of violence. Neighborhoods learn to accept violence as a normal facet of daily life.

I have explained two of the three negative effects I will be discussing. I will now explain the third and one of the most disturbing. The systematic desensitization of children. Children who are are routinely exposed to dogfighting and are forced to accept violence as normal. The routine exposure of the children to unfettered animal abuse and neglect is a major contributing factor in their later manifestation of social deviance. “In many neighborhoods where gangs are strong, you now have 8-, 9-, 10-year-olds conducting their own dogfights. Or being spectators at the fights people are holding," said Sgt. Steve Brownstein of Chicago’s Animal Abuse Control Team. Indeed, for gangs, dog-fighting is a valuable tool to initiate young members into a culture of violence: “You want to find the perfect way to desensitize a kid so he’ll kill that anonymous gangbanger from three blocks over? Give him a puppy and let him raise it. Then let him kill it. I guarantee that will desensitize that kid.” This early exposure to and participation in dog-fighting is of concern to law enforcement, not only as a child endangerment issue, but also because children that become desensitized to violence become criminalized and perpetuate that cycle of violence.
I apologize for some of the vivid detail however this is whats is happening in our neiborhoods and it needs to be said outloud. Loud and clear for all to hear. Please don't turn you head the other way when you see dog fighting and animal abuse happening. I am going to now share some local numbers which you can call to report these activities. It is important to please call for help--do not approach the situation( as I feel like doing sometimes)it is dangerous and remember you can remain anoumouse.