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Pit Bull Informational Pages
by Diane Jessup 

Dog Fighting Information for
Law Enforcement and the Public

Rewards being offered:
The following organizations offer rewards for information leading to
the arrest and conviction of dog fighters.

Nationwide:
The Humane Society of the United States: offers a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who organizes dogfights, participates in dogfights, promotes dogfighting, or officiates at dogfights. HSUS personnel state that the amount given will depend on how important the information given is. Personal experience leads me to believe this money may be a bit tough to get from them. Also, for an organization worth over 96 million dollars, I wish they would offer just a bit more. It could really help.

In Defense Of Animals: offers a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of pet thieves. If you have information about these or other pet thieves, please contact: IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS at 1-800-STOLEN-PET (1-800-786-5367.)

International:
United Kingdom:
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: offers a 1,000 pound reward for information regarding dog fighting (which leads to a bust). Contact them at: http://www.rspca.org.uk/

Local States:
Alabama:
North Talladega Humane Society:has announced the formation of the "Fund For the Prevention Of Animal Abuse". It's purpose is to offer rewards of from to for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone abusing animals. The more serous offenses being dog fighting and poisoning. This offer is area wide including adjoining counties. Additional information may be had by calling 256-249-3573.
Illinois:
Sangamon and Menard Counties Crime Stoppers: SAD(Stop Abuse of Dogs and other pets) The SAD Program was initiated to combat the increase in dog theft and dog fighting in Sangamon and Menard Counties. The information will be investigated by the proper authorities and if an arrest is made the caller will receive a cash reward. 800.397.2288
New York:
Out of the Pits Rescue:offering a $250 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone promoting or participating in dog fighting in the state of NY. They can be contacted at: www.outofthepits.org
Humane Society of Wayne County: offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone promoting or participating in dog fighting.
The Humane Society of Rochester & Monroe County: at Lollypop Farm 99 Victor Road Fairport, NY 14450 585-223-1330 If you have information regarding animal fighting, contact the Humane Society at Lollypop Farm's Animal Cruelty Hotline at (716) 223-6500 immediately. Rewards of up to $3500 are available for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of individuals involved in animal fighting.
Maryland:
Baltimore City Animal Control: $1000 reward offered for information on dog fighting activity in Baltimore City and County. If you have information on dog fighting activity in Baltimore County, call 911. If you have information on dog fighting activity in Baltimore City call Animal Control at (410) 396-4698.

(Any persons aware of other organizations offering rewards please contact me to get that information posted here.)

"Proof" of Dog Fighting?
Think Again...

Of Interest To Law Enforcement Officers

A "jenni" or "catmill" exercises dogs. This one belongs to me.

Any kind of dog can run a jenni. Here Dirk the pit bull is joined by a patterdale terrier and a Jack Russell terrier. The bait? A stuffed toy.

A "springpole". This is a really fun way for a pit bull - or other breed - to exercise. It does NOT increase or cause aggression. Just ask this dog: K-9 Mikey, now a drug detection dog with the Washington State Patrol. Arguably the friendliest dog on the force.

The following information will assist you in obtaining warrants and prosecuting dog fighting cases. This section is under construction so watch for additional information coming soon. I'm presenting it in a Q&A format for your convenience. I have been POST certified as an expert in dog and cock fighting in two states, have taught dog and cock fighting for the Washington State Justice Department for several years, as well as teaching law enforcement workshops on dog and cock fighting in five countries.

Q: What kinds of things would a dog fighter have on his property that a non-fighting pit bull owner would not have?

A: "Punk" dog fighters may have no medical supplies for their dogs, but it is common for higher level dog fighters to have an extensive supply of materials. When grouped together, it is safe to say that the average dog owner would not have these items on hand. Most of these items are used to repair wound damage, to treat shock, and other activities associated with the severe trauma of dog fighting. Below is a list of the most common items you might find when searching a fighter's residence. * Courtesty of KeepemScratchin Kennels

1. Solu-Delta-Cortef + Dexamethasone (Azium) (Prednisolone or Flumethasone).
Anti-Inflamatory/anti-shock injectibles. Reduces swelling.
2. Pain Killer (Lidocaine) or anykind.
3. Vitamin K Injectible. Promotes blood clotting.
4. Lactated Ringers + I.V. Catheters & Set-Ups.
5. Injectible Antibioctics. Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, or plain Penicillin Procain are used to prevent infection of wounds. MUST HAVE.
6. Lassix.
7. Gauze and Leg Tape
8. Pound Flesh or Caustic Powder. Helps stop bleeding.
9. Albacillian or Baytril.
10. Hydrogen Peroxide.
11. Betadine.
12. Prepodyne Swab (for ears).
13. Iodine Shampoo or Betadine Surgical Scrub (for bathing).
14. Sutures (both silk and gut), Staple Gun and Removers.
15. Derma-Clens.
16. Granulex Spray.
17. Scalpel and/or Surgical Razor.
18. Surgical Scissors.
19. Sterile Gloves.
20. Sterile Vaseline or KY Jelly.
21. Thermometer.
22. Super Glue. Used for repairing split ears and tailtips.
23. Leather Shoestring or Equivalent to be used as a tourniquet in case an artery is hit.
24. 3cc Syringes w/ 22-Guage Needles.
25. CytoMax + Canine Peak Condition (or Peak Performance).
26. Oxygen Set-up.
27. Blood Transfusion Set-up.
28. Epinephrine

Q: Will the dogs at a dog fighters be aggressive to humans?

A: Not necessarily. The "natural" temperament of the pit bull - fighting bred or pet bred - is gentle and even submissive with humans; even strangers. While most pit bulls are sweet natured, many dogs kept by fighters are shy due to lack of socialization. They may hide in their dog houses or alarm bark. Most people are shocked to find just how sweet "fighting dogs" are.

Any pit bulls which are overtly man aggressive, i.e., trying to bite or lunging and growling are atypical of the breed and should be euthanized if possible.

Several years ago, a major national humane group published a list of items "associated with dog fighters". This list has certainly made the rounds, and these items are now listed on just about every animal control and humane society anti-dog fighting informational pages.

But there is a problem. Many, if not most of these items can be everyday items for the most responsible of owners. Paraphernalia is a slippery slop for the law enforcement officer to take. The following response to one such listing of common articles/practices is by Kirstan Sanders. Kirstan is active in fighting BSL in Washington state as well as taking time to use her rescue pit bull Cobi, CGC, TT, a Delta Society Therapy Dog as a pilot dog for the Tudors With Tails reading program for "at risk" kids.

Her response was directed to a "humane" magazine which sent out the same old misinformation on "Signs of Dog Fighting". Kirstan Sanders did a wonderful job of calling these folks to task for their lack of knowledge and research. Please feel free to use this anytime you see "humane professionals" attempting to say that common items of responsible ownership are sure fire "signs of dog fighting".

Hello,
I recently ran across your 'signs of dogfighting' while doing some research. I take issue with many of them and, it seems, as a professional publication, you should do more to help dogs and people instead of hindering. Basically, you're begging people to turn in their neighbors for items they have for pit bulldogs that they would never turn them in for if they had retrievers. Many of these items are NOT used for 'fighting rings'. Please take a look at my comments below and let me know if you need clarification on any of these. I'm hoping my comments and explanations will lend you a more accurate view of some of these activities. I think you want to educate people on some possible signs of fighting, but these you've mentioned, individually or combined, are not definite proof. Come on guys, a little more research - don't take things so easily. Be tenacious!
Kirstan Sanders

Items listed and Kirstan's response:

* Multiple pit bulls in one yard

Many people have multiple dogs - many of our foster homes have multiple dogs. Since we are a pit bulldog and bull breed rescue, the dogs are of these breeds. We have divided areas for the dogs to be out separately.

* Pit bulls with short, cropped ears

Dogs are shown in AKC, UKC, CKC and ADBA with ears natural or cropped. Many dogs have cropped ears. The crop of a pit bulldog, Cane Corso, Neo Mastiff, Presa Canario is a short crop like Danes have long crops. Cropping and docking is not my favorite thing certainly, but it doesn't mean the dog is part of a dog fighting 'ring'. Note: MOST true fighting dogs are NOT cropped.

* Dogs with scars on head, throat, legs and ears

Many dogs have scars on legs or heads from other things - wire, digging under something, getting rolled (valid point) even if the dog didn't fight back. Scars do not mean that a particular dog is a fighter - it could mean that the dog has been attacked or gotten into a scrap. It could also be a dog pulled from rescue and rehomed - those scars don't heal invisibly. Have you looked at Earthdog types after hunts? They have scars all over their heads and legs from brush, thorns and animal bites.

* Dogs wearing 2-inch-wide collars

Depending on the size of the dog, 2" collars are fine. Some believe that these cause less stress to the throat. Look back in some of the old pictures when pit bulldogs were common farm dogs (they did not originate as fighters, they were butcher's dogs) and they wore big collars. Mastiffs, the same. Bulldogs and Bull Terriers the same.

* Tires or pieces of leather suspended several feet off the ground from trees, used to exercise dogs

This is called a springpole and is an exercise tool. Terriers and bulldog types and some working breeds find these great exercise outlets. Fit, lean, strong dogs should not be shunned or denied exercise! More dogs should be fit and lean and strong!

* Treadmills for exercising dogs

Rehab, anyone? Have you tried exercising a smooth coated dog in the cold or wet weather? I'm a runner and can't for the life of me drag my dogs out in the rain even with their custom made goretex jackets, boots and hoods! They'd much prefer to exercise on a treadmill in the warm garage or the spare room. Show dog, retriever trainers and hound people use them and they are advertised in many pet product magazines (Fosters is one that comes to mind. 3C's is another). People have treadmills for themselves and for their dogs - it's a sign that we, as pet owners, feel the need to have fit pets instead of giving in to the obesity we currently see in people and pets.

* Locked privacy fences

I am with a rescue group that REQUIRES 6' board privacy fence with locked gates. I require it whether I place pit bulldogs, bulldogs, mastiff types, labs, German shepherds or any breed. No one should be able to enter your yard and access your dog unless invited. We also require that dogs NOT be left unattended in the yard when people are not home unless in a top wired/bottom wired or cemented, locked kennel inside the locked privacy fence. Oh, there must also be a double hulled doghouse for the dogs warmth.

* Dogs leashed with heavy chains to metal posts in the ground

These are tie outs or ziplines.... you may want to talk to the racing husky and hound people as well then. Would it be better for the dog to be stuck in a shipping crate all day? I don't believe in tethering a dog out for the majority of the day or his/her life, but some dogs are happier on a 30' tie out than couped up inside in a box - at least they are outside and able to move about . I know I would be.

* Dogs being moved from a house frequently in cages

It also could be a rescue transporting dogs. I get lots of dogs in and out for quick overnight trips in the middle of a transport and they must be crated when in the car in case of a car accident. I also keep them separate from my own dogs as some of the dogs I get in from shelters have kennel cough.

* Dogs and people coming and going frequently from a site

Make sure it's not a show stop or rescue. You give these things to look for and don't give a context.

* Dogs forced to pull heavy items such as chains and tire rims to strengthen muscles

Weight pulling is a sport - has been for ages. Malamutes, Huskies, pit bulldogs, terriers, whippets - everyone can compete. Many dogs LOVE to pull... just watch a competition. Check out the IWPA site - International Weight Pull Association. Gosh, do you guys do ANY dog sports? Many people who own pit bulls are attracted to fit, athletic dogs and take pride in their appearance.

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

Sleep well, all pit dogs which have suffered and died on some dirty pit floor somewhere, wracked with exhaustion and pain, shocky and suffering from severe tissue trauma. Or perhaps died days later from infection. Dead, because a human preferred to let a dog do their fighting for them. Dead, because a human sought to raise their status through association with you. Rest well in death, and be assured that none such as they will come to where you rest...