Research shows that children who abuse or commit violence toward animals are 5 times more likely to to abuse or commit violence towards people.
For the past 3 decades, studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. Virtually every serious violent offender has a history of animal abuse in their past. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children.
Violence is preventable. The Knock Out Dog Fighting program takes a proactive approach by focusing our efforts on the prevention of the first-time perpetration of youth violence - which is more often than not in the form of animal cruelty.
We believe one of the best ways to stop this cycle is to mentor and work with children and young adults and teach them that it's not a sign of strength, power or greatness to fight, torture or abuse animals. And who better to do this than their role models - men known as some of the toughest men on the planet?!
Mr. Universe 2006 Doug Burns, UFC Fighter Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, Former Lightweight MMA World Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson
The Knock Out Dog Fighting program helps children and young adults make better choices, develop empathy for animals, self-respect and healthy lifestyles. We provide guidance and the tools and resources our youth need to overcome their obstacles and to become champions in life. This type of education creates a cycle of a different sort; a cycle of compassion.
On Tuesday April 5th, members of the Knock Out Dog Fighting crew gave a presentation for approximatley 150 juvenile detainees at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Detention Center. Kris Crawford with her Pit Bull Search & Rescue dog Tahoe, spoke to the youth about stereotypes and that a lot of the public view them, the detainees, with the same stereotype as the pit pull. That many people feel they are no good and not worth fighting for or worthy of receiving compassion. But what Kris was able to accomplish with her pit bulls, becoming one of the best search dog teams in the world, in spite of overwhelming obstacles, inspired many of the youth.
Kris and Tahoe
Former Lightweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) World Champion Josh "The Punk" Thomson spoke next about choosing your own path. Josh had actually spent time as a juvenile in this very detention center but look what he was able to accomplish by turning his life around and doing the right things!
Josh was followed by Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) Fighter Anthony "Rumble" Johnson with his dog Ozone. Anthony, who owns 7 pit bulls, asked how many of the youth in the room had pit bulls and over half of the room raised their hand. Many even acknowledged having been at a dog fights. Anthony, who is idolized by many of the detainees, told the youth that there is nothing cool or tough about abusing animals or forcing them to fight. That cowards are people who fight dogs and abuse animals.
Anthony and Ozone
Mr. Universe 2006 Doug Burns closed the presentation by talking to the youth about the obstacles he had to overcome to acheve his goals. From being beat up and bullied by girls growing up to being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of seven. It wasn't easy but with determination and drive he too was able to overcome overwhelming obstacles to become the best on the world.
Doug Burns, Kris Crawford & Tahoe, Josh "The Punk" Thomson, Anthony "Rumble" Johnson
Rose Whitcomb, Kris Crawford, Doug Burns, Anthony Johnson. Josh Thomson, Cora Tomalinas
If we can stop a child from abusing an animal,
we not only save the animal, we save the child and the community.
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Debra Wilson at our Fighting For A Cause event with a powerful speech explaining why we do what we do
