We Brits like to think we’re a nation
of animal lovers -- and on the whole we are
-- but a small fraction of our society seems
determined to ruin our reputation by
inflicting extreme
cruelty to dogs and other animals… all
in the name of entertainment.
Dog fighting is an illegal sport, but
unfortunately it is still alive and well in
the UK
today, with sadistic trainers still
determined to
hurt, maim and even kill the animals
involved in order to make a quick buck. It’s
exactly how it sounds: two dogs (or
occasionally badgers, foxes or similar
animals) are placed into a makeshift ring
and forced to fight, often to the death,
while spectators place bets on the outcome
of the ghoulish display.
Given that it has been outlawed since
1835, the world of dog fighting is extremely
secretive and very highly organised. The
techniques used by trainers to promote
aggression and a ‘fighting spirit’ in these
animals are often cruel and physically
painful. A puppy will be severely beaten by
its owner to provoke violent behaviour, and
will be trained to kill by being starved for
days and then set upon a ‘bait’ cat or small
dog. Worse still, the bait animal will often
have its mouth or muzzle taped shut to
prevent it from defending itself and
injuring the fledgling fighter.
The dog will also be given ‘work-outs’
to improve its fitness, but these aren’t
jolly runs around the park. Treadmills,
heavy weights and even illegal drugs such as
cocaine are all forced onto the dog to
promote cardiovascular fitness, strong jaws
and increased adrenaline. In order to keep
the dogs on-edge and violent, they will
often be neglected, kept in disgusting
conditions and regularly beaten: fighting
dogs aren’t exactly considered pets.
Consequently, such dogs lead lonely, painful
and confused lives, starved of affection and
forced to fight until they can do so no
more.
However, the animals do have a
lifeline. The League Against Cruel Sports is
a national charity that’s looking to raise
awareness of this growing problem. The
League run several services including the
Fighting Dogs Crimewatch service, a
telephone line that allows members of the
public to report any information they have
about dog fighting in their area, or to
voice any suspicions they may have (01483
524 250). They also work with local
authorities and MPs to highlight the problem
and campaign for the law to be tougher on
those who take part in these crimes. Dog
fighting groups are also targeted, with
dedicated League representatives working to
change the attitudes of those involved, and
hopefully stop them altogether.
The differences that the League can
make to a dog’s life are astounding, but
unfortunately they cannot do it without a
team of supporters. There are a number of
ways in which you can help with the League’s
campaigns and hopefully create a better life
for the nation’s dogs, including writing to
your MP to ask for stricter law enforcement
around this issue in your area.
If you have any suspicions that
something of this nature may be occurring,
don’t hesitate to get in touch with the
League via the Fighting Dogs Helpline. And
finally, any donations (big or small) that
you can make to the campaign are always very
much appreciated. The League currently
receives no funding from the Government or
National Lottery, and as a result need all
the help they can get to run their campaigns
and continue to protect dogs from cruel
humans.
If you want more information on
how to stop dog fighting visit the
League’s website or call 01483 524 250 to
make a pledge. You could save a dog’s life
today.
