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· Arizona Attorney General and The Humane Society of the United States Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program >
Pima County Sheriff and County Attorney Also Join Effort to Bust Dogfighters and Cockfighters
TUCSON, Ariz. (April 30, 2008) — Attorney General Terry Goddard and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dogfighting. At a joint press conference today, they announced that The HSUS is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.
Also taking part in the press conference were the Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall, Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik, Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona.
“Animal fighting is a violent crime that causes horrible animal suffering and I am glad to help law enforcement by announcing this reward,” said Attorney General Goddard. “Arizona law has no tolerance for those who abuse animals for entertainment.”
Dogfighting and cockfighting are both class 5 felonies in Arizona, punishable by a maximum $150,000 fine and/or nine months to two years of imprisonment.
“The people of Arizona are fortunate to have a champion against animal fighting in Attorney General Goddard,” said Kari Nienstedt, Arizona state director for The HSUS. “We are proud to partner with him on this important program to help put those who fight animals behind bars.”
In February, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department — with the assistance of The Humane Society of the United States, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, and the Animal Cruelty Taskforce of Southern Arizona — raided four properties following an 11-month investigation of dogfighting king-pins Mahlon Patrick and T.L. Williams. More than 150 dogs were seized and six people were arrested for felony dogfighting.
“We are especially grateful to join Sheriff Dupnik and County Attorney LaWall in announcing this reward program,” added Nienstedt. “Pima County recently succeeded in dismantling a major dogfighting ring and we know they will continue to be vigilant against this despicable crime.”
All information provided by The Humane Society of the United States.
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Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions:
If you have information about illegal animal fighting in Arizona, call 88-Crime. Your identity will be protected. Remind law enforcement about The HSUS’ reward.
If the suspected animal fighter is convicted, ask the law enforcement agency involved in the case to write a letter to The HSUS.
The letter should state that your tip helped lead to the arrest and prosecution of the convicted animal fighter and should be mailed or faxed as follows:
Animal Fighting Reward Program
c/o Ann Chynoweth
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
FAX: 301-721-6414 |
About Dogfighting:
Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.
A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people.
About Cockfighting:
Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.
Common cockfighting practices include breeding birds for viciousness, drugging them to heighten aggression, and fitting their legs with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling ice picks on their legs.
Law enforcement raids across the country have revealed that cockfights, which are frequently attended by children, often involve gambling and — as a result of the large amount of cash present — firearms and other weapons are also often present.
Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs.
Breeding and transporting fighting roosters for cockfighting is implicated in the spread of diseases such as Exotic Newcastle Disease, which can decimate the poultry industry. |
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