Dog-fighting app creators defend game, but won't reveal identities

LOS ANGELES

The creators of a dogfighting phone game that has been criticized by animal-protection groups and police said Monday that the game was meant to educate the public on the evils of animal cruelty.

In an email to The Times from “Pitboss,” an unidentified person at Kage Games, said proceeds from the game would benefit animal-rescue organizations and Japanese tsunami relief.

The emailer did not give his real name, citing threats of violence by animal rights activists, and said critics “are entirely missing the point.”

“We are in fact animal lovers ourselves,” the email said. “This is our groundbreaking way to raise money/awareness to aid REAL dogs in need, execute freedom of expression, and serve as a demonstration to the competing platform that will not allow us as developers to release software without prejudgment.”

The president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Paul M. Weber, said he was unswayed by the defense and that the game should be taken off the market and its creators fired.

Weber called the game “absolutely sickening” and said it was “absolutely the wrong message to send to our children.”

The Dog Wars game for the Android smartphone operating system encourages players to “Raise your dog to beat the best” and allows players to train a virtual pit bull to fight other virtual dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick—who served prison time on dogfighting-related charges—released statements urging Android to drop Dog Wars from its applications, calling the game “a step backward.”

The company’s website notes that the game player has a “gun for police raids and can inject the dog with steroids.”

“Pitboss” said the game is still being developed, and the company would incorporate suggestions from supporters and detractors “in an effort to create a more socially conscious app that provides a net benefit to dogs, as well as humans.”