April 21, 2008 - "Knock Out Dog Fighting" Urges Support For California AB 2281 The investigation, trial and conviction of Michael Vick gave the American public a glimpse of the sadistic world of dog fighting. They were horrified to learn that dog fighters not only force these animals to fight to the death, many also engage in the torture of the dogs by means of electrocution, strangulation, kicking, and other unimaginable acts of cruelty.
Dog fighting is a cruel and barbaric activity that, to many people, is a form of "entertainment" and performed at the expense of animals' pain that brings the dog fighters, and those that bet on the fights, a lot of money. There is nothing entertaining about profiting from the pain and suffering of animals. What is equally disturbing is that dog fighters and spectators often involve their children in dog fighting. Sadly, this desensitizes children to violence and the suffering of others not only from the exposure, but also because dog fighting is condoned and even glorified by adults and role models. They are taught to believe that it is okay to inflict the cruelties they observe and that dog fighting is an acceptable form of recreation.
There is currently a bill awaiting a vote in the California State Legislature that would put more bite in California's penalties for dog fighting:
Assembly Bill 2281 - Assemblymember Pedro Nava has introduced legislation to elevate spectatorship at a dogfight from a misdemeanor to a felony. California is the only Western state in which dogfight spectators are prosecuted as misdemeanants. “California must join the other 19 states which have made it a felony to be a spectator at a dogfight,” said Nava. “If you are thinking about going to a dogfight, say goodbye to your family, your job and your future. I want you in prison. I look forward to advancing AB 2281 to the Governor's desk to address this brutal crime.”
Although dogfights already are illegal in CA, the betting that accompanies them can make it worth the risk. This bill will take more people out of the dogfighting business by increasing penalties and taking away the profit motive.
AB 2281 is presently awaiting a vote in the California Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Please take a moment to contact the members of this committee and urge them to vote in favor of this important measure.
AB 2281 - California Assembly Committee on Public Safety
