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Dog Fighting Addressed by Animal Welfare Advocates
Published Jan 19, 2007
The Georgia Senate is currently considering a bill which will deal with dog fighting as a serious crime. As you may know, the current law is difficult to prosecute and results in most offenders going free. Presently, no one is serving time in Georgia prisons for dog fighting, despite the rapid growth of this illegal activity across our state. The dog fighting industry generates a half billion dollars in the United States each year and facilitates millions of dollars in other underground activities at the same time.
A group of animal welfare volunteers are assisting the bill’s sponsor, Senator Chip Rogers, in strengthening the penalties and getting a broader set of violations passed under Senate Bill 16. You can help us accomplish this by sending a letter to show your support to legislators.
Please feel free to use the attached letter as a guide in drafting your support letter and place it on your letterhead (if applicable) and return a signed copy to Senator Rogers at the address below. Time is of the essence and your prompt attention to this matter is very important. Your support on this legislation will help stop a rapidly growing criminal enterprise.
Thank you-
- SAMPLE LETTER OF SUPPORT -
DATE
Senator Chip Roger
325-A Cloverdale Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30334
RE: Support for Senate Bill 16
Dear Senator Rogers:
As an (Animal Control Director, Animal Control Officer, Concerned Citizen, etc…) I am thankful to see that you have introduced Senate Bill 16 that will greatly improve our dog fighting statute. Our obsolete dog fighting law is directly linked to the deficiency in the prosecution of a crime that involves much more than animal cruelty. Aside from the animal suffering involved, this so-called sport has several other disturbing aspects, which have been revealed by law enforcement raids. Gambling is the norm at dogfighting events. Thousands of dollars can change hands as spectators bet on their favorite dogs. The owner of the winning dog can collect anywhere from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars in presumably undeclared income. Because large amounts of cash are present, firearms and other weapons are common at dogfights. Violent crimes, even homicides, have been connected to dogfighting in recent years. Furthermore, law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between dogfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs.
Most of the people involved in animal fighting have a lengthy criminal history and do not value public safety. Dog fighting has become a significant, wide-spread problem in the State of Georgia and the proposed bill will give us the ability to pursue a successful prosecution. Under the current statute we unfortunately encounter most of these cases being charged as misdemeanor animal cruelty or gambling. Misdemeanor penalties don’t provide a meaningful deterrent. Serious dog fighters just considered it a “slap on the wrist” or “cost of doing business.”
You have presented an opportunity that will allow law enforcement and prosecutors to combat animal fighting in a more significant way. You have my full support on Senate Bill 16.
Sincerely,
NAME
TITLE
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE ZIP
TELEPHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS
Richard Rice
State Program Manager
The Humane Society of the United States
Southeast Region - Atlanta Office
1025 Rose Creek Drive
Suite 620 - 132
Woodstock, GA 30189
770-516-5802 - phone
770-516-5802 - fax
Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty - The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 10 million members and constituents. Our non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. We are based in Washington, D.C. and have numerous field representatives across the country.
This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent of the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately at the telephone number above and delete this message from your computer. Thank you.
Interested in taking action online to help animals? Then join our online community and sign up for our Humane Action Network. Go to www.hsus.org/join.
Source: Dawson County Humane Society
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