The recent events surrounding Michael Vick, the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons who was recently charged with being involved with a dogfighting ring run, in all places, here in Virginia, bring to light an awful and disgusting sport. Dogfighting is most often hidden from view, conducted in isolated backyards or soundproofed basements. So while you may have never heard of it till recently, it is a sport that, unfortunately, has been around for a while.

Illegal animal fighting is a blood-sport where animals are specifically bred and trained to fight, usually within a pit or ring, with individuals placing bets on who will win. These are brutal sports where the fight often goes to the death. In addition to the extremely violent nature of the events, they almost always include other illegal activities such as gambling, drugs, and the sale of illegal firearms.

This article is not to convict anyone. We have a legal system for that. But this is to bring to light and to discuss this criminal sport. Few, if any, would dispute that dogfighting is brutal, horrific, and should never take place, but it will continue. Hopefully, however, some good will come of the trial likely to take place and the media coverage that will follow it; that people will take more notice of strange activities in backyards or basements, and choose not to participate, or better yet, report such activities to local law enforcement.

Till next time, Dr. Steve

p.s. fortunately Ashburn isn’t a center for dogfighting, but as animal lovers, you can help out by donating a few dollars to local animal shelters to help assist the care of stray or abandoned pets.

User Rating: / 0
PoorBest