In the underbelly of a pet-friendly nation, where over 43 million households include dogs, the cruel and barbaric blood sport called dog fighting is alive and well. It is estimated that there are 40,000 professional dogfighters in the United States and as many as 100,000 amateurs involved, including children and gang-affiliated teens.
The high-profile investigation and conviction of dogfighter Michael Vick shone a spotlight on this criminal industry, revealing unimaginable acts of cruelty toward dogs and confirming that the oft-maligned Pit Bull is the victim, not a willing participant in this sadistic arena.
Children exposed to dog fighting are also victims. When dog fighting is condoned and even glorified by adults and role models, children become desensitized to violence and the suffering of others. In fact, research shows that there is a marked correlation between cruelty to animals and crimes against people.
Kris Crawford, founder of the nonprofit group For Pits’ Sake, Inc., believes that one of the most effective ways to stop the cycle of violence is to teach young people about the proper treatment of animals and to nurture their affinity with dogs, creating a cycle of compassion. With her Pit Bulls Cheyenne, Dakota, and Tahoe, she has influenced children all over the world through safety programs at schools, working with disabled and abused children, appearing on Animal Planet, and many other activities
Still, there was one segment of the population she felt she couldn’t reach. That’s why she recruited the American Kickboxing Academy, the premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) training facility, to help. Many children and young adults around the world look up to these fighters and view them as role models.
When Crawford approached the owner and head trainer at American Kickboxing Academy, Javier Mendez, about teaming up for an anti-dog fighting campaign, his immediate response was “Absolutely!” As proud owner of two English Bulldogs, Alley and Aston, and a Pomeranian named Armani, Mendez clearly cares about dogs.
In Knock Out Dog Fighting’s first Public Service Announcement (PSA), Cung Le, the Undefeated MMA World Champion Middleweight titleholder and Undefeated World Light Heavyweight San Shou Champion, makes it clear that there is no comparison between the fighting arts and dog fighting. “I have a choice to step inside the cage to fight. But there are a lot of helpless animals that are not given that choice. Dog fighting is cruel and inhumane and those who engage in it are losers.”
Josh “The Punk” Thomson, the MMA World Champion Lightweight titleholder, has also jumped onboard to help raise awareness and to be a positive role model for children. “The Punk” gives a strong message in a PSA he did with his dog Brady: “Dog fighting is animal abuse, plain and simple. Torturing or abusing animals is not cool; nor is it a sign of being a real man. Real fighters stand up for what’s right and protect those who are unable to do so.”
The PSAs comprise just one part of this important campaign. Crawford, her Pit Bulls, and the fighters personally visit schools, children’s groups, and youth in juvenile detention centers to teach them that dog fighting is not a symbol of power, strength, or greatness. The goal of their community outreach program is to shed more light on the prevalence of dog fighting and its overall effect on the community and to knock out the social acceptance of this barbaric activity.
Show your strength and help stop the abuse. To get involved or learn more, go to www.KnockOutDogFighting.org.
Joanne Lauck Hobbs writes frequently on the transformative power of the human-animal bond. She lives in San Jose and runs youth intervention programs in Juvenile Hall through her non profit, Catalyst for Youth.
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