Nov 19, 2007 10:02 am US/Eastern
Humane Society's New Ad Centers On Dogfighting
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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This is a still from that Humane Society ad.
CBS
Animal control investigators believe an Eastern Shore man may be behind a dogfighting ring. Dwayne Collins, 34, was arrested on 21 animal cruelty charges earlier this month in Hurlock, Dorchester County.
According to charging documents, Collins had 17 pit bulls and four beagles in kennels and more dogs were being bred for fighting.
This latest case of dogfighting and others across the nation has the Humane Society taking action. They're behind a bold new campaign aimed at stopping the disturbing practice.
Kathryn Brown has more on a new ad some may find surprising. It is graphic and heartwrenching but animal rights activists are hoping it will grab enough attention to end the barbaric practice of dogfighting.
The Humane Society is unleashing a vicious attack against the dogfighting industry in a graphic, just-released public service announcement featuring hip hop mogul Richard Simmons.
The ad depicts a dogfighter stealing a harmless puppy and using it for bait. It's a gruesome enough thought but according to experts in the field, a harsh reality.
"[It's] what I call the Saturday night fights. Couple of young teenage boys would meet up on the corner with dogs and fight," said Bob Anderson, Baltimore City Animal Control.
The bloodsport is growing in Baltimore City so much that police are taking an aggressive stance. Officers are now getting trained specifically to recognize the signs of dogfighting.
"A lot of times the police will be on drug raids and they'll find a treadmill or bloody carpet and they won't know what they're looking at and realize that it's part of a dogfighting ring," said Laurie Maxwell, Humane Society of the United States.
The Humane Society estimates there are nearly 200,000 people nationwide involved in dogfighting and nearly half a million dogs are put into fighting pits each year. That endangers the animals, their owners and innocent bystanders who may get caught in the crossfire.
The Humane Society of the United States is also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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