follow us on twitter & Facebook for the freshest news, product info and witty repartee.
Animal Advocates Celebrate Historic Milestone:
Dogfighting Now a Felony in All 50 States
March 5, 2008
Today marks the beginning of a new era for dogs, a moment to savor for millions of Americans who cherish the special place these wonderful animals occupy in our lives, and a signpost of progress for all citizens who share aspirations for a more humane America. Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed a bill yesterday that made the cruel blood sport of dogfighting a felony crime — the 50th state to enact such a law.
"This is a real reason to celebrate — a landmark moment in the struggle to rid our nation of this hideously cruel activity that destroys so many innocent animals and is so corrosive to the ideals of a decent and civil society," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
Wyoming's action follows the signing of a similar felony law in Idaho on Feb. 25. These two states were among many states nationwide that are considering legislation this year to increase penalties against dogfighting. Such bills are pending in 23 states.
The wave of legislative action this year follows the 2007 case against football star Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges. His case shed a spotlight upon the horrific reality of dogfighting in the U.S. and triggered a national outcry. Vick is serving time in a federal prison.
How to Spot Signs of Dogfighting in Your Community
An inordinate number of pit bulls being kept in one location, especially multiple dogs who are chained and seem unsocialized.
Dogs with scars on their faces, front legs and stifle area (hind end and thighs).
Dogfighting training equipment such as rawhide or tires hanging from trees for dogs to jump up and grab onto, or treadmills.
Unusual foot traffic coming and going from a location at odd hours.
Learn more by visiting the Humane Society of the United States
Fight Worldwide Animal Abuse-Join PETA
Seems everyone is trying to get or stay in shape. Likewise, our pets need healthy diets and exercise to be fit. Treating your dog with Ma Snax is just one way to get headed in the right direction.
Try visiting Hill's PetFit to find out more about proper nutrition needs and weight management for your loved one. Separate fact from fiction and better understand exactly what your pet needs. Find out how everyday fitness factors into lifelong health. Use the quick and practical exercise tips. Plus interactive calculators and reference tools that help drive results and momentum.
Ongoing. . .
Fact vs Fiction: Media Myths
In a world where the media educates the public, owners of specific dog breeds have reason to be fearful. Rather than reporting on the truth, the majority of media companies see an opportunity to sell papers by building false myths about certain canine breeds.
What is the truth about Staffords and related bull breeds? How does the public feel about being manipulated by the media? Should the media be accountable for their role in encouraging dog bites? It is about time that people looked at the real problem behind dog bites and realized that dog owners are the true problem.
The media's methodology of sensationalizing dog attacks and the supposed 'dangers' of certain dog breeds not only deflects attention away from the people that are the real problem, but it encourages those people to continue abusing their dogs.
Summit to battle "dog slaughter laws" Best Friends Animal Society is taking action to stop municipal laws that target certain breeds and dogs that resemble banned breeds as a result of an emergency October conference on the topic in Denver, Colorado. Attempting to crack down on dog attacks, Denver passed a city-wide anti-pit bull ordinance that deems pits and other broad-skulled dogs "dangerous". The city destroyed 2,000 "dangerous" dogs in 2005. More than 100 cities nationwide have similar laws, resulting in an estimated 5,000 dogs killed per week.
"The laws target innocent pets and their people instead of the irresponsible and often criminally abusive owners, breeders and trainers who raise aggressive dogs for sport and profit", said Best Friends president Michael Mountain. "Responsible breeders share our concern about the exploitation of dogs who are themselves the victims of this growing culture of violence." Best Friends is covering their efforts and providing tools to fight these laws online.
