End Dogfighting in Chicago |
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©The HSUS |
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End Dogfighting in Chicago seeks to create loving relationships between pit bulls and their people. |
Chicago is the testing ground for a pilot program of The HSUS aimed at ending street dogfighting in inner cities.
The End Dogfighting in Chicago program seeks to combat illegal street dogfighting by creating a model program of education, intervention, dog training and law enforcement support that can serve as a model for other cities nationwide.
Spearheaded by Tio Hardiman and Sandra De Lisle, the program works on a daily basis with inner-city youths and their dogs to stop them from becoming victims of dogfighting.
The End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign tackles dogfighting on several fronts:
- Conducting Research
With The HSUS, the University of Chicago interviewed former dogfighters and conducted focus groups to understand the motivations of dogfighters.
- Working with Law Enforcement
- The HSUS trains CPD officers on investigating dogfighting.
- A new HSUS dogfighting training video will be shown to recruits.
- With the CPD, The HSUS unveiled a new $5,000 dogfighting reward program.
- Creating Community Outreach and Education
Modeled after a successful program against gang violence, The HSUS program conducts humane education in schools and street-level intervention in areas most impacted by dogfighting.
- Sponsoring Pit Bull Training Classes
The HSUS provides professional dog training classes to at-risk youth to teach them alternatives to dogfighting.
Dogfighting Hurts Animals, Children, and Communities
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| ©The HSUS |
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| Dogfighting hurts everyone in the community. |
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In Chicago—as in many other urban areas—dogfighting happens in abandoned buildings, alleys, vacant lots and even in people's homes. It hurts animals, children and our communities.
Animals are victims, as they are brutalized in dogfights—sustaining serious (if not life-threatening) injuries. And, as we have learned from the Michael Vick case, if dogs aren't "game" enough, they are killed by their owners.
Children are also victims of dogfighting. A 2008 University of Chicago Survey Lab study found that, on average, former dogfighters in Chicago had witnessed their first dogfight at the age of nine. Young children brought to matches are desensitized to violence and taught that cruelty is acceptable. Additionally, mixing children with dogs who are abused and bred for fighting is a recipe for disaster.
Communities are victimized, because those who commit dogfighting crimes and other forms of animal abuse are more likely to be violent toward people. A three-year study by the Chicago Police department found that 65 percent of the people arrested for animal abuse—including dogfighting—were also arrested for violent crimes against people.
Get Involved!
Want to know more? Click here to view a volunteer-created video illustrating some high points of our End Dogfighting in Chicago program. To volunteer with our Chicago program, including with our annual fundraiser, email us.
Related Links
Dogfighting
Dogfighting Fact Sheet
Taking Action to End Dogfighting: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do
Ending Dogfighting in Chicago: A View from the Streets
Atlanta, Chicago Taking the Bite out of Dogfighting
Rewards Program No Reward for Dogfighters
Dogfighting Public Service Announcements
