Easy Ways to Stop Dog Fighting Giveaway #GetTough
Michael Vick. To dog lovers, the name immediately sends chills up the spine. The 2007 indictment of Michael Vick led to historic changes in the animal welfare field and the nation’s perception of dog fighting. According to the ASPCA, Michael Vick was fully involved in a six-year pattern of illegal activity that included dogs being savagely electrocuted, drowned, and beaten to death. We promise not to show you any images of these horrific acts of violence. Yes, he is a dog fighting piece of scum.
The closest I came to really understanding what happened to those dogs came when I was guest on a televised pet segment in New Jersey a few years ago. The guest ahead of me was senior editor at Sports Illustrated, Jim Gorant and author of the book, The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick’s Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption. You can watch the interview below. My dog, Dexter, and I were the next guests on the show:
Sadly, dog fighting is a regular occurrence throughout the world and it isn’t reserved for any one specific breed, although the “bully” breeds seem to get the most media attention. Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states but it is ongoing. According to the ASPCA, two major raids occurred in March and August last year.
Shake My Head
Years and years ago, I would read stories like this and shake my head, try not to think about it, and hope and pray for the day it would stop. Realistically, shaking my head and turning away isn’t going to make it stop. So what can I possibly do as one person to stop torturers and abusers of animals in the dog fighting world?
I am a Wigglebutt Warrior and I have had enough. I write. I educate. I talk about it: To you, to others, and to anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of animals. Knowledge is power. I’ve learned that educating people helps turn the tide. If enough people are educated, the tide washes over hate and will prevail to goodness. Karma and all that.
Remember Oogy, the dog who was used as “bait” in the dog fighting ring? I was privileged to spend a few hours in his presence one summer afternoon and was forever changed. You can read about my experience with Oogy here.
#GetTough and Stop Dog Fighting
In conjunction with the ASPCA, I am helping to get the word out about actionable steps all pet lovers can take against the hate that is dog fighting. Some people believe dog fighting happens in impoverished areas or is estricted to a specific class of people. Neither is true. Here are actionable things you can do to STOP dog fighting. At the end check out a giveaway that one Fidose of Reality fan will receive and help get the word out even more.
1 Ask the Department of Justice to #GetTough on dog fighters by creating harsher sentencing guidelines. Simply fill this quick form out and let the the DOJ know that you support prosecution of this horrific form of cruelty: http://bit.ly/1HxeMSL
2 Download a #GetTough on dog fighting toolkit kit which includes a printable sign, Facebook & Twitter cover image, and digital shareables: http://www.aspca.org/GetTough
3 Visit the ASPCA’s Fight Cruelty section to find out more about the ASPCA’s work to end dog fighting. Read about recent dog fighting raids and rescues, as well as facts about pit bull cruelty and breed specific legislation: https://www.aspca.org/dogfighting
4 Take a photo of your dog with the digital poster you can print, like Dexter is showcasing here and then share it high and low:
Giveaway: One person in the US or Canada will win a #GetTough on Dog Fighting pack, including:
– No one wins in a dog fight T-shirt
– ASPCA Frisbee
– #GetTough on dog fighting sticker
– ASPCA bumper sticker
– Fight cruelty wristband
Our winner drawn at random by Rafflecopter is: Rebecca Luedke! Congrats!
Scroll down for means of entry and good luck! Canada and U.S. only with complete rules here.
Note: We are not being compensated for this news or giveaway. We want the scums of the world who do these horrible things to dogs to stop and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Here are some pet bloggers, who no doubt, want dog fighting to stop:
Thanks for sharing this, it’s great to see what is happening in the US to raise awareness (and prevent) dog fighting and here in the UK we can learn from that. Sadly, despite being illegal, we have a serious problem with dog fighting and every year thousands of dogs are stolen here in the UK either to be sold or to be used as bait dogs in dog fights. You’re right, we all need to take a proactive role in helping put a stop to this barbaric practice and you’re article is a great start, thank you.
I can not even believe dog fighting still happens. It’s incredibly cruel.
Good for you, getting the word out! I think dog fighting is awful, and I followed the Michael Vick case. It brought a lot of attention to the problem, but didn’t stop this awful practice. Will share and tweet.
–Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue! Animals need people to speak out for them.
Coco is my baby girl!! Forever and always!!!
I think it’s awful dog fighting is still going on. Thanks for sharing
Dog fighting is a horrible “sport” and we should do everything we can to prevent it. As an animal lover, I really get upset when I hear about people who treat animals in a cruel manner.
I can’t believe that dog fighting is stilla thing. It is so cruel and uncalled for. Owners who do this should be arrested.
Wow, this is great. What another great article. Thanks for sharing!
Great post, and great giveaway for that cause ! Purrs
The best prize I could win would be to hear that animal abusers including dog fighters are brought to justice quickly and severely. DOJ letter signed and shared. Thanks for posting.
Thank you for using your position and influence to bring awareness to such an important cause. You are an amazing advocate for our helpless friends!
Fantastic post, Carol! We have issues w/ dog fighting in certain parts of Phoenix, AZ. Makes my skin crawl every time I hear about it. We’ve had dogs come into our shelter following raids. It is SO heartbreaking and enraging! I sent the email to the DOJ, thanks so much for sharing the link! Will download the toolkit as well and share! Thanks for always having your pulse on important issues like this.
What a great cause and post! It is heartbreaking that some people can be so heartless. I love all of my boys but Poncho our Great Dane has been such an added blessing to our whole family! We adopted him after his original owners opened their door and set him free to fend for himself because he was getting to big!
I’ve lost four dogs and three cats in my lifetime, and currently have five Treeing Walker Coonhounds and three cats (all rescues). Right now I’m dealing with a situation with my deaf hound girl, Ran, who turned 5 in November. She became very sick around New Year’s and has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. I’ve spent the last three months going without sleep, running her to the vet weekly for blood tests and check-ups, and worrying myself sick over her. Two weeks ago I thought I was losing her,but she bounced back – at least for now. So, the first furbaby name that comes to my mind right now is Ran.
Great cause. Thanks for posting and bringing awareness.
Thanks so much for making this even more aware!
Kiki
A Happy Havanese
Dog fighting is so horrible. It’s a huge problem here in the Detroit area. A couple of years ago I lived right around the block from someone who was heavily involved in dog fighting. It was so frustrating because the police couldn’t do anything immediately even though everyone in the neighborhood was aware of what was going on. They had to conduct all sorts of stings and things. I may be a cat person, but I love dogs too. Not to mention that these people steal cats (or just take feral cats) for bait for their dogs.
Great post on this important & dreadful topic! I definitely choose not to close my eyes & look the other way as far as any form of animal cruelty is concerned. I will always be the voice for any mistreated animal.
About to print the #GetTough picture & then off to taking pictures with the pups & the message.
Great information here that everyone should read. I am so happy you reported that dog fighting isn’t just one specific breed but many breeds. Your plan to help stop dog fighting here and everywhere is so doable if people would just get involved.
I thing this is an extremely cruel thing to do to innocent animals. I agree with harsher sentencing as the other ways are a bit too “nice”. How would the perpetrators like it if they were locked in a cage to fight
This is definitely a great way to spread the word! I know a lot of potential supporters in our area! There are lots of dog owners here!
I hate to even think of Dog Fighting…it makes me want to cry :'( What are people even thinking. Thank you for bringing awareness to this horrible crime!
Dog fighting is horrible and I’m so happy that you are bringing awareness to such a heinous act! I have 2 dogs and I couldn’t imagine them being victimized in this way!
This whole subject makes me want to cry. Thank you for raising awareness — we need to prevent this and protect those precious animals.
It’s a shame that dog fighting persists even today. It’s so barbaric. Thanks for raising awareness for this!
My dog Valentino has such a gentle soul, as have previous dogs Tidbit and Scratch, that I can not imagine any canine being forced to fight for the almighty dollar of evil mankind. These scum bags certainly need to be stopped! Thank you!
It is unimaginable that this is still taking place in this day and age. It is awful and I am glad someone is taking a stand.
This is a great topic. Dog fighting is so terrible.
It is good to have programs like this to save animals from horrible lives.
My junior year of college, I took a public speaking class. I’ve always loved public speaking. Anyways, all of my speeches (5 total) for that class were on dog fighting. For my persuasive speech (why people should be against dog fighting) I put up a PowerPoint slide of a bunch of dead and injured fighting dogs. I guarantee I changed the perspective of at least 30 people that day. It was a bomb ass speech. People who associate themselves with dog fighting should be tortured…slowly…
These poor puppies! I can’t believe this is even a thing still. The whole thing is heart breaking.
It still amazes me that people can be this awful and allow this to happen
Thank you for taking a stand against the terrible cruelties against dogs. These awareness tips are great and I hope to implement them soon. I especially like the shirt “No one wins in a dog fight” and the idea of taking a picture with our own dogs to raise awareness. Your dog is so adorable 🙂 Thank you for fighting this terrible issue!
It makes me sick that would participate in and watch such a barbaric thing!
It breaks my heart to read about dog fighting.I am glad there is a group bringing awareness to it as it is so sad.
We were just talking about this tonight. I can not believe that that this is still going on. It makes me sick.
This kind of thing infuriates me. I hope it stops:( My best pup friend was named Hudson. He was my life!
Thanks for being a voice for these sweet souls. They need all the support they can get!
I just do not understand the appeal of dog fighting. I hate it when my puppies play too rough. I can’t imagine how people enjoy seeing animals hurt each other. It just does not make sense to me. Such cruel people out there. When My babies start fighting cause mad at each other someone has the toy the other one wants it hurts me. Olivia and Jaxon are my babies. I can’t imagine how people see dog fighting and enjoy it. Crazy. No one better hurt my babies.
I love to see campaigns like this, I hope they will eventually turn the tide for animals, not just dog or cock fighting either.
I love Sampson and Delilah of course. 😀
i love my GSDs, Nala and Moose
I love my Sagie, she’s so sweet
My pups are Oscar & Lucy, and I love them too pieces!!!!
I once had a kitty named Phoenix. He was at the animal shelter after being picked up after the sheriffs received a call that someone had thrown him in a campfire. Sadly, I only had him for around a year due to FIP, but he was such a joy and lived life to the fullest.
I love all my dogs, the ones that I have now and all the ones before these. One was a big black mixed breed that we adopted from the animal shelter. He was incredibly gentle, but lots of people were afraid of him based on his appearance. It breaks my heart to think that sweet dogs like him are being abused for sport and money.
Awesome cause. Thanks for sharing this.