People For The Ethical Treatment Of Pit Bulls

Puppy chopped in face with a machete!

2012-02-16T05:47:00.000-08:00

Update: Received this on February 16, 2012. Milo has made a fantastic recovery.

Puppy chopped in head with machete! Got word on this dog within the last 24 hours and this dog is under the care of a competent veterinarian who is going to make this dog well so the life of the dog will be spared and this dog can go on to be adopted. This dog is in the country of Mexico.

Why not abuse a dog? They don't feel pain, right? It's OK to make them all bloody and break their bones, right?

2012-02-13T08:02:00.001-08:00

"Radar" (name given by those who found him)...was found in a ditch. In terrible pain, the victim of dogfighting.

2012-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

URGENT: We need your help finding the people responsible for a dog fight that left this sweet soul in unimaginable pain. Monday night (2/6/12) police found this severely injured pit bull in a ravine on the side of Fisherville Rd. in Coatesville, PA near Brandywine Hospital. “Radar” received immediate medical care and is making an amazing recovery, but we need your help identifying who is responsible and preventing other innocent dogs from suffering this heinous cruelty. Please call 610-692-6113 x213 with tips on this incident or other signs of dog fighting. Call anytime, day or night. All tips will be kept confidential.

Beat up from dogs picking on him, then put in a shelter which kills dogs if they aren't adopted in a matter of days!

2012-02-06T14:02:00.001-08:00

Compund fracture coming right through leg, left to rot

2012-02-05T04:01:00.001-08:00

Blackie the pit bull was chained to an old carrier with no food or water. He was painfully thin, and his right rear leg had a compound fracture that had been left to rot for weeks.

credit: PETA

Someone thought it would be fun to put an explosive in this dog's mouth and duct tape it closed before lighting it.

2012-02-04T23:04:00.000-08:00

Witnesses say the dog hovered alone for days in this condition before someone called for help. Unfortunately the injuries were so severe it was out of mercy that the dog was put to rest.It makes you think why the witnesses didn't act sooner however there is a mentality where people will not step in and be good Samaritans no matter how severe a problem is. The "I don't want to get involved" mentality.RIP dear animal friend.

This dog was raped to death. Having sex with animals DOES hurt them. This puppy died from it.

2012-02-02T00:47:00.001-08:00

Someone tried to do surgery on this dog's ears as many abusers do and this is the result. They try to crop the ears themselves to make dog look tough.

2012-02-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Beaten because someone thinks this breed is "evil"

2012-02-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

2012-01-20T23:43:00.000-08:00

18 month old Ava was found in Chester, SC. Both sides of her face were almost ripped off. Her sinus cavity was broken. Her throat ripped. Based on how badly infected her wounds are, she had to have been on her own for several days begging for someone, anyone to help her. Her entire face, neck and front of her body have been ripped and torn from hundreds of bites. She has chunks of skin hanging from her face that have exposed her teeth and jawbone. This damage was done by other dogs likely in a dogfighting setting. She was probably abandoned because she couldn't fight well.Some suggest she was used as target practice for fighting dogs to hone their skills on.

Here's What Happens.

2011-12-17T02:16:00.000-08:00

This dog was brought in to a veterinarian as a dog that was used in dog fighting. Since the dog was taken from a dog fighting ring, the dog now had no name and no guardian. The vet did not want to take on the expenses and time of taking care of the dog, so the dog through no fault of his/her own winds up being killed by lethal injection. That simply is not fair. This is an actual case where that happened.

Pit Bull Puppy Dragged From The Back Of A Truck

2011-10-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

This dog is getting help thanks to many groups who collectively have contributed to the veterinary care.

We join forces with other people to lend a hand when the need arises.

2011-08-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Our money goes to cases where donations are needed to help pit bulls or other injured or needy animals survive a crisis and find a home! We noticed people were asking us to help out but we had no money. So we got creative and decided to start a portion of our website to be here so we would have money on hand for when others reach out to us.We are just regular people and are doing things as simply and honestly as we can. When we donate, we list it in on our facebook page which exists solely for friends of this group. (People who have donated and wish to continue to stay in touch with us and others of like mind.) You can donate using your credit or debit card or paypal once you click on the link if you wish. There is no obligation to donate and please enjoy the website whether you do or not. Thank you.

2011-08-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Pit bull Gideon died on October 8,2011 in New Jersey from his dog fighting wounds. He was under veterinary care but the injuries were so severe he couldn't hold on. He had been found on the side of the road. Dog fighters do that. They literally throw dogs away on the side of the road. Not in hopes of someone finding them, but because they are of no use anymore.

2011-08-02T17:41:00.001-07:00

This dog has been around, and not because she wanted to be. The worst injured of 4 rescued from a dog fighting operation. Vision impaired in one eye. Thanks to many people who have stepped up, this dog is being helped.

Dog's head virtually cut off due to animal abuse

2011-07-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

She survived for a while but while in veterinary care the injury was too severe and she died. Many people and organizations reached out to help. She actually was found in a shelter in this condition! She walked up to someone and they rushed her to the vet. How could a shelter be so blind to her injury? Her name was Hope. Send a letter of thanks and encouragement to Dr. Caldwell who took her on all by himself and tried to save her:
Caldwell Veterinary Hospital
951 Hwy 41 S
Forsyth, Ga 31029
Phone: 478-994-8228
Fax: 478-992-8260

Pit Bull Brtualized In Dog Fighting

2011-05-19T02:49:00.001-07:00

PIT BULL CHOPPED IN HEAD WITH AX!

2011-04-30T19:03:00.001-07:00

Trenton New Jersey: Dog found wandering around after having been chopped in the head with an ax. Thanks to the donations of many people and organizations, this dog was saved.

Patrick The Pit Bull Was Alive When Found Like This: Literally Found In The Garbage

2011-04-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report he was taken in and immediately put under veterinary care. Thanks to donations from people and organizations from around the world, Patrick is very well and happy today.

THIS FEMALE PIT WAS ALIVE IN THIS CONDITION WHEN THEY FOUND HER.

2011-01-13T22:52:00.001-08:00

She was alive when they found her; covered in 4 generations of maggots her body was decomposing as you can see. She weighed less than the chain on her neck. She could not see nor hear and out of mercy was given a lethal dose injection. She moaned as they moved her body. Once somebody's baby when she was born, literally left to rot to death by human beings.

Update: On July 25, 2007, Morante Tremayne Brown pleaded guilty in Halifax District Court to misdemeanor animal cruelty for neglecting a pit bull named Big Girl to the point where she was immobilized, and was decomposing and being eaten alive by maggots. Another dog in his possession was euthanized due to neglect. He also pleaded guilty to a felony charge of possession with intent to deliver marijuana. The second animal cruelty charge was dismissed. Brown was sentenced to:

* 6 months in prison; credit of 58 days in county jail � suspended
* 24 months supervised probation
* Has to provide DNA sample
* Fines amounting to $1,010

NEVER GIVE UP ON A FIGHTING DOG: SOMEONE GAVE "CHANCE", A CHANCE.

2011-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

WHY DO PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN DOG FIGHTING?

2010-07-17T10:16:00.001-07:00

There are many reasons people are attracted to dog fighting. The most basic is greed. Major dog fight raids have resulted in seizures of more than $500,000, and it is not unusual for $20,000 - $30,000 to change hands in a single fight. Stud fees and the sale of pups from promising bloodlines can also bring in thousands of dollars. For others, the attraction lies in using the animals as an extension of themselves to fight their battles for them and demonstrate their strength and prowess. However, when a dog loses, this can cause the owner of the dog to lose not only money, but status, and may lead to brutal actions against the dog.For others, the appeal simply seems to come from the sadistic enjoyment of a brutal spectacle.

credit: aspca.org

WHAT TAKES PLACE AT A DOG FIGHT?

2010-07-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

Usually the fight takes place in a pit that is between 14 and 20 feet square, with sides that may be plywood, hay bales, chain link or anything else that can contain the animals. The flooring may be dirt, wood, carpet or sawdust. The pit has “scratch lines” marked in opposite corners, where the dogs will face each other from 12 to 14 feet apart. In a more organized fight, the dogs will be weighed to make sure they are approximately the same weight. Handlers will often wash and examine the opponent’s dog to remove any toxic substances that may have been placed on the fur in an attempt to deter or harm the opposing dog.

At the start of the fight, the dogs are released from their corners and usually meet in the middle, wrestling to get a hold on the opponent. If they do, the dogs grab and shake to inflict maximal damage. Handlers are not permitted to touch the dogs except when told to do so by the referee. This can happen if a dog “turns.” If a dog turns away from his opponent without renewing his attack, the referee may call a “turn” and require that the dogs be returned to their corners. The handlers collect their dogs and tend to them briefly before returning to the scratch lines. The dog who turned is released first. If the dog who committed the “turn” fails to cross the pit and engage his opponent, the match is over and the other dog is the winner. A draw may occur if both dogs fail to “scratch” several times in succession, i.e. repeatedly fail to cross the scratch lines and re-engage in the fight. Dog fights can last from a few minutes to a couple of hours. The goal is for one dog to severely disabled his or her opponent from being able to continue in the fight. That dog is crowned the winner.

credit: aspca.org

Bait Dog Meets It's Death

2010-06-20T22:21:00.001-07:00

Notice the duct tape around the dog's snout. That was put there deliberately by the people fighting the dogs so this dog could not fight back. This poor dog was nothing more than target practice for the others. But don't blame the other dogs. Dogs don't enjoy fighting each other. They are pack animals and love the company of other dogs. They only fight because they are ordered to do so and have no options. Those that don't comply are susbjected to beatings and worse.

image credit: pdf-pulse.eu

WANT TO KNOW WHO IS ABUSING ANIMALS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

2010-06-07T23:25:00.001-07:00

(Above: This poor pit bull pup was found in North Camden, NJ. One of the toughest cities in America. Her leg was severed by either brutal blows or outrageous neglect, we may never know. Thanks to the beautiful organization, Compassion For Camden, "Rosie" as she was named, was taken care of and adopted to a great home.)

Of all the sites I have come across so far on the internet, Compassion For Camden along with a few others, truly "get it".

Camden, NJ is one of the most crime ridden cities in the country.

Please do not miss this.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPASSION FOR CAMDEN

To find out who is abusing dogs in your neighborhood:

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT ABOUT ABUSE WHERE YOU LIVE

(Once there click on 'local cases' and then 'county and zip code'. Something like that. You'll see it when you get there.

credit: www.compassionforcamden.org
credit: www.pet-abuse.com

"OFF THE CHAIN": GRAPHIC, CONTROVERSIAL FILM ABOUT THE SHADOWY UNDERWORLD OF DOG FIGHTING.

2010-06-07T23:13:00.001-07:00

(Above: Dead pit bulls photograph taken from the film)

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY ONLINE FOR FREE
(turn up speakers)

Off the Chain requires a strong stomach to watch and will not be to everyone’s taste.The mid portion of the film is extremely gory and will not appeal to most viewers. Hidden camera video clips of fatal fights and post-match executions are interspersed with still shots of dead and mutilated dogs.Watch with caution.

Off the Chain
Release: 2005
Genre: Documentary
Run Time: 52 Minutes
Studio/Publisher: Bobby J Brown

Off the Chain is a graphic hour-long documentary detailing the origin and evolution of both the dog breeds collectively referred to as “Pit Bull Terriers” and their human admirers. The film begins with a historical overview of the use of bulldogs for bull baiting, a popular form of British entertainment during the 18th and 19th centuries. Once England banned the practice, dog vs. dog fights were arranged and Bulldogs were subsequently bred with Terrier breeds to produce the Pit Bull family.

The documentary follows the migration and breeding of the American Pit Bull Terrier, its short-lived status as an all-American dog and eventual decline into violent status symbol. In the latter [present-day] stage, the film-makers give equal air time to the breeders who engage in dog-fighting and the activists / police who oppose them.

The dog-fighting participants wear disguises and defend their activities as sport. After proclaiming his love for the breed, Dog Man Tucson – a participant in and strong advocate of dog fighting as a sport – explains in detail the ad-hoc surgeries dog owners perform on injured pit bulls. Dog training, which begins with the mild baiting of baby pit bulls, can be as innocuous as treadmill exercises or as extreme as standing on a dog mid-fight or filing teeth to a sharp point. Steroid injections have also become popular among breeders, though even the breeders in the film admit that it is easy to damage or kill the dog by administering the shots improperly.

Off the Chain requires a strong stomach to watch and will not be to everyone’s taste. If there is a bias in the film it is against the dog fighting industry, but observing the brutal training and disposal of young pit bulls makes pure objectivity impossible.

credit: www.cynicsunlimited.com

Unseen Footage Because of Court Proceedings: Until Now. Warning: Graphic

2010-04-07T20:47:00.001-07:00

Audra

2010-03-30T15:28:00.001-07:00

The beautiful female in the photo is Audra. The Marion Animal Shelter (Arkansas) received a call about an injured dog that was laying in a field. When they arrived, Audra was found with a head injury, bleeding from her nose and ears. Audra's face was also temporarily disfigured from the blunt trauma. She had several broken teeth and a piece of her tongue was gone. Hearts of Gold Pit Rescue rescued Audra from the shelter and after being in foster care for 6 months, she was adopted.

This Is What Can Happen When Dogs Are Sadistically Trained And Abusively Raised

2010-03-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

Dog bites typically cause a crushing-type wound because of their rounded teeth and strong jaws. An adult dog can exert 200 pounds per square inch of pressure, with some large dogs able to exert 450 pounds per square inch. Such extreme pressure damages deeper structures such as bones, vessels, tendons, muscle, and nerves.

"You're Fired"

2009-12-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

A pit bull whose fighting potential is considered unacceptable faces being put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method.

photo credit: www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/sadreality

DOGS DO NOT CHEW. THEY BITE, RIP, SHRED, CRUNCH AND SWALLOW.

2009-11-29T14:21:00.001-08:00

Dogs do not chew. Their mouth was designed to bite, rip, shred, crunch and swallow.

Canine teeth or as some people call them, fangs for grabbing and puncturing, incisors for nibbling, premolars for tearing, and molars for crushing (not chewing or masticating) bone -- although the family dog may appear to be far more civilized than his wild relatives, he still has the same equipment for eating, grooming, greeting, and defense.

Four premolars line each side of the upper and lower jaws in back of the canines. These are the shearing teeth, used to rip great hunks of flesh from prey animals. Although they no longer hunt for survival, dogs can still eat in the manner of wolves - by grabbing meat with the premolars and ripping it off the bone. The top jaw has two molars on each side, and the bottom jaw has three. These are the crushing teeth, use by wolves to crack caribou bones.

Their jaws hinge open widely, allowing them to gulp large chunks of meat and bone. The skull and jaw design of a carnivore: a deep and C-shaped mandibular fossa prevents lateral movement of the jaw (lateral movement is necessary for eating plant matter). Yes, I emphasize the "gulp". Dogs do not "chew" their food. In the wild resources are scarce, they are designed to be able to gorge and do so quickly for this reason. They are hard wired. No amount of thinking "he knows he gets fed twice a day" etc will change the dog's perspective. He may crunch down once or twice but is just not designed to "chew" his/her food.

Many people new to raw feeding freak out that their dog might swallow the meat and/or bones whole. YES, they will pretty much do that. They will tear large chunks of meat off the bone and then if the bone is smaller such as a chicken or turkey bone, they will crush the bone by chomping down once or twice and swallow. God designed the dog's stomach acids to be much stronger than ours and they are designed for digesting large lumps of meat and even good size pieces of RAW bone.

credit: www.doctorj.net

Break Stick

2009-11-27T22:38:00.000-08:00

A break stick is used to stop a dog from fighting. It is inserted from the side of the dog's mouth behind the molars. Break sticks are considered dogfighting paraphernalia whereas the stick is used to break up organized fights between dogs when the handlers want to stop the fight or start over.

Most pit bulls used at the more organized levels of dog fighting have been bred and trained not to bite humans. This is so the handlers (despite the dogs’ injuries, level of pain or dog aggression) won’t receive a redirected bite while breaking the dogs apart or pulling them out of the pit.

credit: www.pbrc.net

HOW ARE FIGHTING DOGS TRAINED?

2009-11-26T20:45:00.001-08:00

(Below: Matthew Shell of Oregon who neighbors believe is fighting his dogs. The chains used to attach the dog Hennesy to the treadmill, which is not powered by electric, but by dog power, are there to keep the dog from flying off the front or the back. In only a few minutes, Hennesy was running 30 miles per hour. Bloggers note: No person merely "exercising" (vs. training) their dog on a treadmill has a dog that runs 30 miles per hour. Neighbors have complained but law enforcement has done nothing.

Fighting dogs must be kept isolated from other dogs, so they spend most of their lives on short heavy chains, often just out of reach of other dogs. They are usually poorly socialized to any other dogs and to most people. However, many “professional” fighters invest much time and money in conditioning their animals. They are often given quality nutrition, basic veterinary care and exercised under controlled conditions where they will have limited contact with other dogs, such as on a treadmill or “jenny.”

These dogs are conditioned from a very early age to develop what dog-fighters refer to as “gameness.” The scope and method of training varies dramatically depending on the level and experience of the dog-fighter. The following implements and techniques are commonly used to train the dogs:

Treadmill: Dogs are run on the treadmills to increase cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

Catmill/Jenny: Apparatus that looks like a carnival horse walker with several beams jetting out from a central rotating pole. The dogs are chained to one beam and another small animal like a cat, small dog, or rabbit, is harnessed to or hung from another beam. The dogs run in circles, chasing the bait. Once the exercise sessions are over, the dogs are usually rewarded with the bait they had been pursuing.

Springpole/Jumppole: A large pole with a spring hanging down to which a rope, tire, or animal hide is affixed that the dogs jump to and dangle from for extended periods of time. This strengthens the jaw muscles and back legs. The same effect is achieved with a simpler spring loaded apparatus hanging from tree limbs. A variation of the springpole is a hanging cage, into which bait animals are placed. The dogs repeatedly lunge up toward the cage.

Flirtpole: A handheld pole with a lure attached. The dogs chase the lure along the ground.

Chains: Dogs have very heavy chains wrapped around their necks, generally in lieu of collars; they build neck and upper body strength by constantly bearing the immense weight of the chains.

Weights: Weights are often affixed to chains and dangled from the dogs’ necks. This builds neck and upper body strength. Generally, dogs are permanently chained this way. However, sometimes the trainers run them with their weights attached.

Bait: Animals are tied up while the dogs tear them apart or sometimes they are confined in an area to be chased and mauled by the dogs.

Drugs/Vitamins/Supplements: Dogs are given vitamins, supplements and drugs to condition them for or to incite them to fight. Commonly utilized vitamins, supplements, and drugs include: iron/liver extract; vitamin B-12; Provim; Magnum supplement; hormones (testosterone, Propionate, Repotest, Probolic Oil); weight-gain supplements; creatine monohydrate; speed; steroids (Winstrol V, Dinabol, Equipose); and cocaine.

The dogs are trained against one another and against older, more experienced dogs. In the early stages of training, the dogs are incited to lunge at each other without touching and engage in quick, controlled fights called “rolls” or “bumps.” Once the dogs appear match ready, they are pitted against stronger dogs to test their “gameness” or tenacity in the face of exhaustion and impending defeat. If the dogs pass the test, they are deemed ready to fight.

credit: www.animallaw.info
credit: www.katu.com

CAN ALL DOGS BE TRAINED TO FIGHT?

2009-11-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

No. It is important to understand that not just any dog can be trained to fight in the respect that dog fighting is presented on this website. Much like herding dogs, trailing dogs and other breeds selected for particular roles, fighting dogs are born with the potential capability for the training that will prepare them to succeed in the pit compared to other dog breeds. These same dogs have been bred to have a high degree of dog-dog aggression to be used as unwilling fighting machines. It is not honest to pretend that all breeds of dogs are born with the same capabilities and traits. Having said that, be reminded that there are pit bulls who do not cut the mustard in the underworld of dog fighting because they lack the strength and aggression needed to endure professional dog fights. Only a select few of the many chosen make the grade.

credit: www.aspcapro.org

WHAT TYPES OF PEOPLE ARE INVOLVED IN DOG FIGHTING?

2009-11-26T20:32:00.000-08:00

Just as dog fighting cuts across many regions of the country, participants and spectators at dogfights are a diverse group. While some might typify dog fighting as a symptom of urban decay, not every dog fighter is economically disadvantaged. There are people who promote or participate in dog fighting from every community and background. Audiences contain lawyers, judges and teachers drawn in by the excitement and thrill of the blood sport.

credit: www.aspcapro.org

CAN YOU TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DOG FIGHTERS OUT THERE?

2009-11-26T20:25:00.000-08:00

1.)“Street” fighters engage in dog fights that are informal, street corner, back alley and playground activities. Stripped of the rules and formality of the traditional pit fight, these are spontaneous events triggered by insults, turf invasions or the simple taunt, “My dog can kill yours.” Street fighters make little investment in conditioning their animals, relying on quick fixes to produce aggression. These might be starvation, physical abuse, and use of stimulants or other drugs to excite the dogs. Dogs from street fighting can be found dead on the side of the road.

2.)“Hobbyist” fighters are more organized, with one or more dogs participating in several organized fights a year as a sideline for both “entertainment” and to attempt to supplement income. They pay more attention to the care and breeding of the dogs, however they are not "caring" pet owners to the dog. Hobbyists are likely to travel across state lines for events.

3.)“Professional” dog fighters often have large numbers of animals (often 50 or more) and earn money from breeding, selling and fighting dogs at a central location and on the road. They often pay particular attention to promoting established winning bloodlines and to long-term conditioning of animals. They regularly dispose of animals that are not successful fighters or breeders using a variety of methods, including shooting and blunt force trauma.

4.)In recent years a fourth category of dog fighters seems to be emerging, with some wealthier individuals from the sports and entertainment worlds allegedly using their financial resources to promote “professional” dog fighting enterprises, which essentially use the philosophy and training techniques usually associated with street fighting.

credit: www.aspcapro.org

OREO, PIT BULL WHO SURVIVED BEING THROWN OFF BROOKLYN ROOF EUTHANIZED BY ASPCA IN NEW YORK CITY. PUBLIC OUTRAGED!

2009-11-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

(Below: Fabian Henderson who "owned" Oreo and threw Oreo off the Brooklyn roof)

11/13/09
Oreo, the pitbull who survived being thrown from a Brooklyn roof, was euthanized Friday afternoon despite outraged calls and adoption offers from animal lovers.

After word of the ASPCA's plan to put Oreo to death spread Thursday night, pet advocates rallied to save him. "This is absolutely disgusting," said animal rescuer Kerry Clair, who had offered to take Oreo to her Middletown, N.Y., sanctuary Pets Alive.

"Why would an organization charged with guarding and protecting animals kill this dog before taking every other option?" Emily Danks, a volunteer with the reality TV show Rescue Ink, showed up at the 92nd St. shelter with her friend's station wagon and asked for Oreo.

She wanted to bring the dog to Pets Alive but security escorted her out. "I was actually crying," Danks said. Izquierdo said the ASPCA had no choice but to end Oreo's life. "We understand the outcry. This poor animal was thrown off a roof," he said. "But this is a decision made by several behaviorists. This is a dog that is not only highly aggressive but unpredictable," he said.

He said Oreo had even turned on the handler who worked with her for months. "She should not be socialized with other dogs and she should not be out in public," he said. "She would have to live the rest of her life in isolation. That was not the humane choice."

Click below to see actual legal document indictment against Henderson:

CLICK HERE TO SEE INDICTMENT

credit: www.nydailynews.com

PETA APPROVES OF OREO BEING PUT DOWN!

ASPCA was right to euthanize Oreo, the pit bull that survived a six-story fall, says PETA

November 27, 2009 | 9:38 pm

Oreo had recovered from her physical injuries after the incident but, according to ASPCA staffers, had aggressive tendencies so severe that they felt they had no choice but to end her life.

Note: She was aggressive because she had been brutally beaten many times over on different occasions before being thrown off the roof.

PETA's animal care and control specialist, Teresa Lynn Chagrin, described the so-called "no-kill movement" as "nice-sounding but damaging." She went on to say
those who make the toughest decisions, who have to euthanize animals for want of a proper home, and so carry out the hardest work of all, deserve respect and gratitude, not criticism." Daphna Nachminovich, PETA's vice president for cruelty investigations agreed.

PETA's support of the ASPCA isn't likely to do much to quiet Pets Alive. It referred to PETA as "a joke," so the animal-rights organization's thoughts on the matter probably won't carry much weight.

-- Lindsay Barnett

credit: www.latimes.com

WHY PROSECUTORS FREQUENTLY DON'T PROSECUTE ANIMAL CRUELTY CASES

2009-10-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

Why Prosecutors Don't Prosecute

There are many reasons why a prosecutor may choose not to pursue criminal cruelty charges, even when it appears to us that the perpetrator is obviously guilty.

First, many courts are under funded and overwhelmed with cases and some prosecutors are forced to work on cases they feel they can win. If animals are a low priority to them, they may choose to disregard some or all animal abuse cases. In addition, politics sometimes dictates which direction these cases take and the utilitarian attitudes towards animals in certain jurisdictions, particularly rural areas, often plays a large role.

Another reason may be that the prosecutors are inexperienced, or just new to prosecuting animal abuse cases. They may not know that ALDF is available to help or may be reluctant to ask for help.

A third reason is that the case may simply lack the evidence needed to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the perpetrator is guilty. Sometimes the investigation is of such poor quality that a prosecutor has little to work with. If the evidence has not been destroyed and a more thorough investigation could obtain the necessary evidence to prove a case, a prosecutor can order another investigation to push the case forward. However, poorer jurisdictions may not have the luxury of doing this. If it is truly impossible to obtain the evidence, then there is nothing a prosecutor can do.

What can you do? Call or write your local prosecutor’s office and demand that all animal abusers be charged appropriately and that they be given the maximum sentence possible under the laws of your state, with mandatory psychological treatment. Mention that when the next election rolls around, you will be voting for the most animal-friendly candidate. Also consider writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper about this issue.

credit: www.aldf.org

ACCORDING TO MANY, PIT BULLS JAWS LOCK WHEN THEY LATCH ON TO YOU AND THEY CAN'T BE PRIED OPEN

2009-10-08T22:32:00.001-07:00

The Locking Jaw

The most common myth about 'pit bull' dogs is that their jaws lock. This is untrue.

Breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier do have very powerful jaws, and this is where this myth comes from. However, the jaw does not 'lock' - and you cannot get the jaw to 'lock' through abusive actions such as breaking the jaw. (yes, we have heard from people who believe this is how you get a 'locking jaw' and we have incredibly sympathy for any animals they own.)

On this topic Dr. Lehr Brisbin of the University of Georgia wrote:
"The few studies which have been conducted of the structure of the skulls, mandibles and teeth of pit bulls show that, in proportion to their size, their jaw structure and thus its inferred functional morphology, is no different than that of any breed of dog. There is absolutely no evidence for the existence of any kind of "locking mechanism" unique to the structure of the jaw and/or teeth of the American Pit Bull Terrier."

The 'pit bull' has powerful jaws, but they are not alone in this. This is yet another myth - that 'pit bulls' are more dangerous because they have the most powerful bite. Most large breeds and cross breeds have a very strong bite, and even smaller dogs can inflict a bite powerful enough to kill.

Any dogs can be dangerous in the hands of an irresponsible, negligent or abusive owner.

credit: dogwatch.net

OUTRAGE! SUPREME COURT RULES VIOLENT ANIMAL ABUSE VIDEOS ARE PROTECTED AS FREE SPEECH

2009-09-20T12:09:00.000-07:00

"....the videos depicted terrible suffering, including scenes of dogs that were "bitten, ripped and torn" and "screaming in pain."

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Tuesday, April 20th 2010, 11:11 AM

For a sampling of the graphic videos in question, click below.

CLICK HERE

(turn up speakers)

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court struck down a federal law Tuesday aimed at banning videos that show graphic violence against animals, saying it violates the right to free speech.

The justices, voting 8-1, threw out the criminal conviction of Robert Stevens of Pittsville, Va., who was sentenced to three years in prison for videos he made about pit bull fights.

The law was enacted in 1999 to limit Internet sales of so-called crush videos, which appeal to a certain sexual fetish by showing women crushing to death small animals with their bare feet or high-heeled shoes.

The videos virtually disappeared once the measure became law, the government argued.

But Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, said the law goes too far, suggesting that a measure limited to crush videos might be valid.

In dissent, Justice Samuel Alito said the harm animals suffer in dogfights is enough to sustain the law.

credit: www.nydailynews.com

DOGS USED IN FIGHTS ARE ORDERED TO DO SO AND ARE NOT WILLING PARTICIPANTS!

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1. The first dog is brought into a room and has no idea what is about to happen.

2. (Below) A second dog is brought in and introduced to the first. After a brief "introduction", the men encouraged the dogs to fight. NOTE: The dogs didn't fight on their own. They only fought because they were encouraged to do so and in order to please by obeying, they took their orders.

3.(Below) The badly injured dogs after the fight. What is devastating about this is you can see for yourself these dogs were set up to fight. And afterwards, they were put to their deaths for "fighting" by authorities. Something they were commanded to do. They didn't want to fight. They had to be encouraged to do so! Dogs used in fighting don't see another dog and then start fighting. The dogs hate it. They fight because they are bullied into it by their "owners".

Photo credits:
www:aspcacommunity.ning.com/group/stopbreeddiscrimination
www.dailymail.co.uk

GYPSY: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DOG IN THE WORLD

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(Below: Gypsy had to have her leg removed as it was so injured when she was used as dogfighting bait. Her ears were ripped and torn off as well.)

God bless the veterinary surgeons Dr. McLean and Dr. Lowery and all those who have cared for Gypsy. McLean and Lowery had to call in veterinary surgeons who specialize in reconstruction. Gypsy was found a few years ago so this story isn't recent per se, but read this which came out when Gypsy was found:

A horribly mutilated pit-bull, named Gypsy, was found on Monday morning, April 11, 2005 in Gaston County, North Carolina. She had been dumped on a main highway (Wilkinson Blvd) that connects Gaston County with Charlotte/Mecklenburg County. Her wounds appear to be the result of dogfighting.

Her injuries were so severe, her right-front leg had to be amputated due to the extent of mutilation and infection. According to reports, the flesh on her face was literally rotting off, and when she first arrived at Tri-County Animal Rescue, her mouth was "nothing but pus". Tri-County Animal Rescue stated that the dog was "a bloody mess" when she was found on the roadside.

From the Tri-County website: "Gypsy had her leg amputated Monday the 18th 2005 and she is fighting for her life. Thanks to the skilled surgeons, Dr. McLean and Dr. Lowery at Eastridge Animal Hospital in Gastonia, and all the wonderful and loving vet techs at Eastridge who just go in and hold her paw or pat her or speak sweet kind words. It's amazing, but Cindy said she wagged her tail after surgery. Cindy and Dr. McLean say she hasn't given up and is fighting to stay with us.

"Her face is literally falling off, rotten skin, she has lost her lips and may lose her nose. Dr. McLean (if we have enough money and she makes it) will be able to do some cosmetic surgery. Her teeth showing is that her lips are rotten and gone. Imagine cutting off an ice pick to about two inches long and stabbing a dog in the head over and over and over. The skin is rotting beneath the wounds and it looks horrible."

Gypsy was a "bait dog"~

"Bait" animals are used to test a dog's fighting instinct, and these animals are often mauled or killed in the process. Trainers obtain bait animals from several sources: wild or feral animals, animals obtained from a shelter, or in some cases, stolen pets. Sometimes the animals are also obtained through "free to a good home" ads. According to news reports compiled by the National Humane Society, the snouts of bait dogs are wrapped with duct tape to prevent them from injuring dogs being trained for fighting. Other animals, such as cats and rabbits are also reported to be used as bait animals. Experts have said small dogs, kittens, and rabbits are more at risk of being stolen for bait than larger animals.

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Gypsy now, after surgery and recovery!

ANY DOG THAT COULD LIVE THE LIFE THAT GYPSY LIVED AND STILL SMILE IS TO ME THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DOG IN THE WORLD.

Please remember...The fighting dog has few friends.

HUMANE SOCIETY ANONYMOUS DOGFIGHTING
TIPLINE (877) 847-4787

Below: How a about a donation to Tri-County which rescued and saved Gypsy? Her costs have all been paid for but maybe a 'thanks' donation in her memory.

credit: www.tcar.us (Tri-County Animal Rescue)
credit: www.pet-abuse.com
credit: www.youtube.com
credit: www.workingpitbull.com
credit: www.ua4a.org
credit: www.animom.tripod.com/dogs.html

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Our money goes to cases where donations are needed to help pit bulls or other severely injured animals survive a crisis and find a home! We noticed people were asking us to help out but we had no money. So we got creative and decided to start a portion of our website to be here so we would have money on hand for when others reach out to us.We are just regular people and are doing things as simply and honestly as we can. When we donate, we list it in on our facebook page which exists solely for friends of this group. (People who have donated and wish to continue to stay in touch with us and others of like mind.) You can donate using your credit or debit card or paypal once you click on the link if you wish. There is no obligation to donate and please enjoy the website whether you do or not. Thank you.