Chicago Group Formed To Combat Dog Fighting
Dog lovers, animal advocates, law officials and religious leaders in the Chicago area have all banded together to form a coalition to put an end to dog fighting.
Safe Humane Chicago was co-founded by Cynthia Bathurst and Melia Carter. They said where there is dog fighting, there are also other criminal activities taking place including guns, drugs and domestic violence. By putting an end to dog fighting, this may also reduce the general amount of violence on the streets of Chicago.
A Massachusetts SPCA study concluded that those who attend dog fights are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people.
The organization will also work through churches and other humane organizations to educate adults and children about the destruction and cruelty of dog fighting. About 500 churches may join the initiative to help spread the word about dog fighting.
The Cook County Sheriff’s Police and the Chicago Police Department are also joining in the efforts and cracking down on dog fighting.
In the city of Chicago, 70 percent of dogfighting and animal abuse offenders have also been arrested for violent crimes against people.
Officials said the city receives about 1,000 to 2,000 complaints each month about dog fighting.
Source: CBS2chicago.com
(Thanks menusux)
September 10th, 2007 at 9:27 am
1,000 - 2,000 complaints each MONTH? Just in the Chicago area? Dear God, this has to stop! I am so happy to see a group of people who are stepping forward to work toward this. The connection between animal abuse and abuse against humans has been known for a while. Maybe this is the legacy the dog victims of the MV horror will leave ~ other dogs (and people) will not have to endure the suffering and death they did.
September 10th, 2007 at 11:12 am
Way to go, Melia and Cynthia! You’re right on the money regarding a reduction in other forms of violence when dogfighting is eradicated.
Thanks for your courage in doing what’s right.
September 10th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
Just like I said before, anyone that would do such a horrible thing to innocent animals, would not hesitate to hurt children, elderly or any other person that they consider weaker than he/she. These people are sick and know no boundries about what’s right and wrong. In fact, they NEED to hurt others in order to feel good about themselves. We don’t need them in our society.
September 10th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
“A Massachusetts SPCA study concluded that those who attend dog fights are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people.”
D’OH! It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. It’s all common sense of decency!
September 11th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
This is wonderful. Melia & Cynthia, boy are you both taking a stand & doing something about dog fighting. You will be rewarded. 500 churches, that a lot of getting the word out & teaching all people especially the young, and a lot of eyes on the street. So proud to read about you both.
January 11th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
This is thhe worst thing oyu can do to somethingg is to make it suffer because you don’t want to take care of it anymore.