End Dogfighting. Love this HSUS Campaign.

Grabbed this brand new, fantastic news segment about the Humane Society of the United States' End Dogfighting Campaign from HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle's blog, today:



For more please see my Aug 14 2009 post Putting an End to Dog Fighting through Youth Mentoring.

If you live in New York then take action to end dog fighting here.

Learn how to bring the HSUS' End Dogfighting Campaign to your city, here.

This is a shameless plug, but my rescued pit mix, Sabrina, is the July Pinup in the 2011 Ride With Me calendar. You can purchase the calendar at these San Francisco stores, or online here.

Farewell, Fay

photo: Fay

from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) website:

Today is a sad day for everyone who has been touched by Fay, one of the dogs saved from the horrors of dog fighting during this summer’s massive multi-state (Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska) rescue operation that saved the lives of 450 dogs.


note: this video is not graphic

Fay had been seriously injured and required extensive medical treatment. We are saddened to learn that she passed away yesterday after her surgery, which The Humane Society of the United States had funded.

Fay began her life in a cycle of pain and cruelty. She spent her last few months in comfort and surrounded by love under the care of her foster mother Gale Frey and the people of the rescue group Mutts-n-Stuff in Missouri. Gale made Fay’s first real Christmas a celebration of her survival, showering her with gifts and affection.

Fay was highlighted in our recent "Animal Survivors" campaign, along with other animals who survived cruelties in 2009. Although she has passed away, her life will continue to inspire us in our campaigns to end dog fighting and fight other large-scale abuses inflicted on animals.

We express our deepest condolences to Gale Frey and to everyone who worked so hard to save Fay, and we redouble our efforts to save animals like Fay in 2010 from anyone who would do them harm.

Putting an End to Dog Fighting Through Youth Mentoring

Photo: Curtis & Felony

From the Humane Society of the United States:

Street dogfighting is rampant in our cities, perpetuating animal cruelty, violence and crime. It causes horrible animal suffering and desensitizes young people to cruelty.

In 2006, The HSUS launched its city-wide pilot program to stop street dogfighting, End Dogfighting in Chicago. The program uses the innovative and proven community outreach methods to change attitudes and actions.

Because of its success, End Dogfighting expanded to Atlanta, and should start classes in Los Angeles soon.




Details about the Program:

* Anti-Dogfighting Advocates.The HSUS hires young men with roots in the community to combat dogfighting on a grassroots level. In neighborhoods most impacted by this crime, they mediate with men and boys at risk of getting involved in dogfighting, and intervene in dogfights. Because they are respected community members, they can reach people others cannot.

* Pit Bull Training Team. The HSUS holds free and accessible weekly pit bull training classes, which provide inspiring alternatives to dogfighting that showcase pit bulls as friends, not fighters.

* Community Outreach. The HSUS holds events in the community to promote its anti-dogfighting message and develop trust in the community. Examples include vaccination clinics, dog house giveaways, rallies and religious leader outreach.

* Law Enforcement Partnership. To fully eradicate street dogfighting, cops need to know what to look for. The HSUS partners with law enforcement, offering them training on catching dogfighting and providing a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to convictions.

* Humane Education. The HSUS developed a special eight-week curriculum for middle school children. This curriculum tackles the topic of dogfighting through games and hands-on activities.

For more information on getting involved with an End Dogfighting program in Chicago or Atlanta, contact Laurie Maxwell at the HSUS.