MARY JO NAGY | Pets Dogfighting is cruel, illegal, and must stop

There has been a lot of news recently about dogfighting in the Youngstown area. Dogfighting has developed over the last 15 years from a bloody pastime in back yards and vacant lots to big business.
A pervasive and hidden practice in many cities, dogfighting is a sadistic contest where two dogs bred and trained to fight are placed in a "pit" or "ring" and encouraged to attack each other. Spectators are present at the event, cheering for their dog.
Trainers prepare dogs by starving them to make them mean, hit dogs to make them tough and force them to run treadmills for long periods of time to increase endurance.
To increase viciousness, trainers bait them with puppies, cats, and small animals, immobilized by hanging them up.
The dogs, having been beaten and starved, maul the small animals to death. This gives them the taste of blood.
Torture
These contests are torture to the animals forced to fight. The animals suffer much pain. American Pit Bull Terriers, commonly called pit bulls, are used most often because of their powerful jaw muscles. Their teeth cause severe bruising and deep punctures. The common sound coming from the ring is crunching bones and cartilage. The dogs are usually forced to continue fighting until they pass out or die.
The fight can go on for hours until there is a decisive end. In the fights themselves spectators force dogs to continue to fight by prodding and hitting them with sharp objects.
Humans in the illegal dogfighting profession over-breed and contribute to the large number of pit bulls languishing in shelters throughout the country. The breed is the victim. Most are euthanized.
Well-treated and humanely raised pit bulls are affectionate and loyal dogs. Just because your neighbor owns a pit bull does not mean that he or she is a dog-fighter or that he has a mean dog.
There have been numerous raids across the country, and according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) there are several disturbing trends:
UYoung children who are encouraged to watch the fights are made insensitive to animal cruelty, promote violence and develop a lack of respect for the law. These children are taught to believe that it's OK to inflict cruelties they observe and that it is an acceptable practice.
UIllegal gambling is normal at these events. Tens of thousands of dollars are wagered on favorite dogs.
UPet animals are said to be stolen by dogfighters to be used as training fodder for their fighting dogs.
UFirearms and drugs are common sights at an event.
UDogfighting is another entertainment activity for gangs.
Illegal everywhere
Dogfighting is illegal in all 50 states. It is a felony offense in Ohio. An investigation and raid are time consuming for law enforcement officials because of the secretive nature of the fights. Most states are increasing the penalties. In addition, the spectator is not an innocent party. Without the money paid by admissions and the money wagered the fights would not take place. Since spectators have to seek out a fight, they become willing participants in the criminal act.
Why should you care? Dogfighting is a serious crime within our community. Cruelty to animals is a precursor to violence against humans. Dogfighting is linked to many other illegal and criminal activities. Law enforcement officials ask you to report any suspected dogfighting activities. It is up to you and your neighbors to spread the word that dogfighting is not acceptable in your neighborhood.
XMary Jo Nagy is a volunteer with Angels for Animals.