Victims include dogs, kids and entire communities

            Only days before the initial allegations of dog fighting against NFL star Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick became public, an Illinois record of 37 fighting dogs were seized from the home of Kevin Taylor in South Holland.

            According to the Cook County’s Sheriff Department, this was the fourth largest seizure of fighting dogs ever in the U.S. which included dog fighting paraphernalia as well as methamphetamines. Some dogs impounded were in peak fighting condition. Other dogs were seriously injured. Prosecutors filed a felony charge of dog fighting against Taylor, as well as 37 counts of cruelty to animals.

            But who knew? The Taylor story received nearly zilch national press, even surprising little local press. Because Vick happens to be who he is - the horrors of dog fighting are finally receiving national coverage. And it’s about time. Dog fighting has been pervasive for years. It’s a national epidemic which few, till now, have talked about.

            Due greatly to public pressure, rings of dog fighters all across the country have been caught since the Vick story broke, leading to arrests, and the confiscation of over 200 dogs. In some communities programs have organized and dollars raised to assist police in their efforts. Thank you Michael Vick.

            However, historically elected officials had greatly responded to dog fighting by either ignoring it all together or by blaming the dogs by banning Pit Bulls (or any dog resembling a Pit Bull). Choosing the latter option offers an appearance that at least something is being done. However, clearly the strategy of banning breeds hasn’t worked as dog fighting continues to escalate, even very recent efforts to finally do something about it.

            The spectacle of dog fighting is so gruesome, it’s likely that if I describe the gory details, you may not read further.

            Pit Bulls are victims of the worst human sadism. And I argue the dogs are the victims of this (as are children, which I will explain). It just so happens that the breed of choice for those who fight dogs (I refuse to call this activity a sport) are Pit Bull-type dogs.

Photo from Scooter of KLSD, San Diego. Bertie the pit bull with Troy: Best friends

            While today’s pit bulls have become a symbol for tough, they weren’t always. Their closest American Kennel Club registered relatives are a group called the Staffordshire Terriers. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is such a dependable family dog, that it was nicknamed ‘The Nanny Dog.’ Loveable Petey from the Our Gang (Little Rascals) TV series was once a far more common portrayal of the pit bull. Pit Bulls served the United States Armed Forces, and their heroics are legendary in the military.  

            It’s this very trait to loyalty – common to all dogs – but especially predominant in Pit Bulls, combined with strength and potential for tenacity to other canines which appealed to dogfighters.            

            Truth is that dogfighters have long realized that a dog who turns against people wouldn’t be suitable. Pit Bulls tended to not attack even abusive handlers. By the way, dog fighting dogs who do turn on people don’t last long; they’re either shot, tortured (such as being burnt alive) or just let loose to roam and terrorize the community.  

            Even with the Michael Vick attention, the media has greatly missed the real stories. The reporting has greatly focused on one arrogant athlete who was sadly considered a hero by so many.

            For starters, what about the victims of dog fights? Of course, there are the dogs. In his plea Vick admitted to (with a little help from ‘his friends’) killing dogs who weren’t very good at fighting. At one press conference his attorney implored the public to pray for Vick. That’s fine. But how about the dogs?

            I hope public officials and others who give pit bulls a bad rap will now understand pit bulls are merely victims who simply don’t have a choice in the matter.

            These dogs are not born to be bad. But the press tends to sensationalize dog attacks on humans which involve pit bulls. There are many instances of Golden Retriever attacks (that’s right, All American Golden’s), but you’re not ever likely to hear about those. But attacks by Pit Bulls aren’t only covered; they’re, well, celebrated.

            I argue dog attacks on people – in general - receive far more media attention than their frequency might suggest. Truth is their very infrequency makes them a news story. 

            So, here’s what’s happened as a result of this tainted press. One segment of the population has grown to develop an unwarranted fear, and is even terrified as a result of their ruthless cold-blooded image.

            Coinciding, another segment of the population loves the image; idea of having a ‘bad’ dog to project their own self-image, or to use as a guard or attack dog. They want a dog that’ll intimidate, and project their feelings with giant spike collars and chain-link leashes. The numbers of these hugely irresponsible owners having a Pit Bull looking dog has exponentially increased in recent years. In fact, Pit Bull-type dogs have very simply become hugely popular. Being real here: In some neighborhoods it’s about the only kind of dog you see.

            Simultaneously, there’s a pro dog fighting culture. Most media outlets (me included) have received pro-Vick mail and email. And this culture is being celebrated by some celebrities, particularly rap and hip hop artists as well as athletes. Nike aired a TV commercial (which was quickly taken off the air) that showed two Pits squaring off at one another. Some CD jackets are only a tad more subtle illustrating dog fighting paraphernalia, even if you don’t see the dogs.

            Seeking the ‘bad’ dogs has become cool among this group. Owners of such dogs may chain them and the males are never neutered; both tethering and leaving male dogs in tact increases the likelihood of any dog (regardless of the breed or mix) to attack, according to the Centers for Disease Control and American Veterinary Medical Association.

            The American Pit Bull Terrier is a registered United Kennel Club breed, but neither the people who want a pit to enhance a personal image or to have a guard dog, and most certainly the dog fighters are seeking out responsible breeders.

 As much as I am adamantly one million per cent against breed specific bans, there is a certain truth I am willing to admit to. Not receiving the proper nutrition in uterus can impact temperament. Also, studies have demonstrated among various mammal species that being raised without nurturing (in this case without parental care from their own mothers and early sensory positive contact with people) does have an impact on social demeanor. Even apparently normal individuals may at some point exhibit abnormal behaviors often related over-reactivity (not having an ‘off switch’).

            This is an issue which animal experts will need to grapple with. However, banning all dogs who resemble a Pit Bull doesn’t present a practical solution. In fact, the problem isn’t about dogs at all – it’s about people.

            Speaking of which, dogs aren’t the only victims. Primary and middle-school aged kids in shocking numbers – most especially those in inner cities - have witnessed a dog fight. Viewing such an event is “sold” as a “sport,” no different than watching a football game. Gangbangers actually realize that watching the horrific events of a dog fight desensitizes kids to violence.

            We know that, in general, kids who commit violence to animals are then more likely to act similarly to people as adults. Dog fighting only encourages this escalation of further violence to occur.

            There are countless neighborhoods in America where the only exposure children - or often anyone who lives in a community - has to dogs are either those who partake in fights or those big and sometimes dangerous dogs used as a sort of bizarre macho accessory.

            I can’t imagine a generation of children growing up without a wet dog kiss. But that is exactly what has happened.

            So what do we do?

Well, I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I do have some ideas. For starters, the American public and elected officials need to stop blaming the dogs. In fact, the humane answer is to attempt to find increasing ways to find homes for adoptable Pit Bulls-type dogs. Hopefully more of these individuals will become ambassadors for the breed-type, and this will start the process of resurrecting their images.

            Many communities and local police departments don’t take dog fighting seriously.  If for no other reason, it turns out that catching dog fighters means you’re almost always capturing criminals who are wanted for other crimes. Always, additional crimes occur during dog fights. The activity of fighting dogs is illegal in all 50 states, and a felony in 48. A felony on paper isn’t as important as effective prosecution.

            However, if everything could be accomplished through legislation alone, there would be very few murders in America. After all, killing someone is a felony. Popular culture among within certain communities is the greater issue requiring attention.  

            School programs do exist, but we need more of them – so kids understand how to humanely live with animals. Even if the kids get involved in gangs, the goal is to have dog fighting become so abhorrent, they refuse to partake.

            I also like the suggestion of the American Humane Association (where I serve on the Board of Directors) which is challenging the National Football League and their star players to launch a campaign against dog fighting. Rap and hip hop artists could do the same. If they can’t manage this, maybe it’s about time we realize all these over-paid ‘stars’ shouldn’t be heroes in the first place.

            A listener phoned my radio show from the inner city, and he was articulate and illuminating – pointing out a sad truth. He said, “Politicians now do seem concerned about dog fighting – more concerned about the fighting and killing that goes on daily where I live. People care about man’s best friend. How about men?”

            An editor of mine put it best, “I can’t even conceive, for the life me, of how anyone could possibly – even for a moment - enjoy watching dogs fight to the death. And if dog fighting is increasing in popularity, then could it be a symptom that something fundamental is going very wrong?”

             © Steve Dale