Dogfighting: A National Problem

Mike Vick is not alone with the fight against the KG Dogfighting Android App. Everyone from the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA  to actress Alicia Silverstone have begged and pleaded for the App to be dismissed and Google refuses to budge. If dog fighting was some out of this world, alien, never actually seen or heard of idea, it would be one thing, but dog fighting is a national problem.

According to the Humane Society Web-site, dog fighting is when two dogs are 'specifically bred, conditioned and trained to fight.' They are placed into what dog-fighters call a pit where they will fight each other, often times to the death, while spectators watch and gamble on the event. Fights are usually about one to two hours and only end when one of the dogs cannot go on. It also emphasized that street fights have become more popular over the last year.

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The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals or ASPCA (yes the people from Animal Cops on Animal Planet) estimates that the number of people involved in dog fighting is in the tens of thousands.It is interesting that so many people are involved because in all 50 states, dog fighting is a felony. ASPCA says that in some dog fighting raids they have seized over half a million dollars. Others get involved for their own sick enjoyment. ASPCA is combating dog fighting issues in New York by having the ability to make arrests on offenders.


There is a light to Vick's conviction and sentencing due to funding a dog fighting operation; people are aware. Personally I did not know that so many people were involved with the sadistic pass-time. Although there was harm done before the 2007 conviction, Vick's efforts towards awareness and fighting against this App show redemption. He has taken several occasions to talk to high school students about the dangers associated with dog fighting and how to be an active leader.

From: Web-site

 

 

At the end of the day it is important to think about your moral beliefs. I don't think cruelty can ever just be a game. Google claims that it is 'just a video game' but when a video game glorifies a crime that happens daily then it is not longer 'just'.The  DoSomething web-site suggests that the only way to get rid of dog fighting is "experts in gangs, drug abuse, poverty, education and psychology, as well as law enforcement, are needed to understand and combat dog fighting at each level. Preventing today's youthful spectators from becoming tomorrow's dog fighters is the challenge the humane community faces for the future". Educating seems to be the correct path to take a stance against dog fighting, so it looks as if Vick is heading the right direction.

Wanna take a stance against dog fighting?
Check out these web-sites: 
Tell Android to Block Dog Fighting App
 The Humane Society of the United States
Take a Stance Facebook Page
SPCA