End Dogfighting in Your City |
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| ©Cindy Deir |
| Chicago's pitbulls have a special chance on the pitbull training team. |
The Humane Society of the United States is proud to present our comprehensive, city-wide approach for ending street dogfighting.
Since 2006, we have been developing and testing a program called End Dogfighting In Chicago, which gets to the root of the problem by working with the community.
Our program's multi-pronged approach to mobilizing community members includes:
The HSUS uses methods developed by nationally-recognized, youth anti-violence program Cease Fire in order to steer kids away from dogfighting. Our Anti-Dogfighting Advocates (ADAs) are respected members of the community who also have a heart for dogs.
With their ears to the ground, they stay in the know. When they hear about an upcoming dogfight, they make sure they are there to talk kids out of fighting their dogs. Fighting on the front lines — our ADAs build relationships and bring at-risk kids to our pit bull training classes. Each ADA fills out a daily logs, to help keep track of his work and relationships.
Resources needed: community liaison to organize ADAs, 3-8 willing members of targeted communites, especially social group leaders
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| ©Cindy Deir |
| Pitbulls and their people work together in new ways in weekly dog training classes. |
The most rewarding part of the program is seeing changed attitudes and lives. We hold a free, weekly dog-training classes for youth who are at risk of becoming involved in dogfighting. The training helps steer susceptible youths away from dogfighting by offering an alternative activity.
The training also teaches young people skills, builds their confidence and creates canine roll models. In Chicago, trainer Jeff Jenkins works with about 12 youth and their pit bulls every week, teaching them how to control their dogs and build positive relationships with them.
The training is held in facility right in the middle of the targeted community, so motor transportation is not required to attend. At the end of the training, the participants are tested for their Canine Good Citizen Certification.
Resources needed: dog trainer with pit bull experience, facility (preferably a facility within walking distance for your targeted population)
In order to make it known in the community that dogfighting will not be tolerated, law enforcement needs to be on board. The HSUS offers day-long training seminars for law enforcement, bringing in seasoned experts to give a detailed presentation on identifying and busting up dogfighting.
In addition to education, we offer law enforcement investigative assistance, a Reward of up to $5,000 for dogfighting tips and monetary grants to assist with the care of animals seized from fighting rings.
Resources needed: Willing law enforcement, training room, HSUS law enforcement training
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| ©Cindy Deir |
| Humane Education teaches kids the positives of pitbulls. |
The HSUS has developed an anti-dogfighting curriculum for middle school students.
Our eight-week course that incorporates dialogue on dogfighting and animal cruelty into games, activities and eventually a final project. The curriculum that can be modified and worked into a multitude of classroom situations.
Resources needed: School participation, The HSUS's Anti-Dogfighting Humane Education Curriculum kit, volunteers to administer the curriculum, and involvement from local animal shelter
Involvement from all members of the community is crucial. Because they visit individual homes, postal workers, utility workers and public works employees often see what other people can't and are crucial as the eyes and ears of the community. Part of our campaign is educating these employees on the signs of dogfighting and giving them the tools they need to report it.
The HSUS has developed materials and a presentation to equip public works employees on recognizing and reporting dogfighting.
Resources needed: Participation from local public works, HSUS materials
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| ©Cindy Deir |
| Our End Dogfighting program brings together people and their pitbulls in a positive way. |
This campaign utilizes different tactics to get people involved. Methods and events can vary from city to city, but ideas to engage target community members include vaccination clinics, spay/neuter events, graffiti contests, hip hop concerts, and rallies.
Other events can include members of the religious community as well as community leaders. The key is to get out the anti-dogfighting message in as many different ways as possible.
Resources needed: Various, depending upon event
Keeping an End Dogfighting program going obviously costs money. Fundraising events can be a great way to keep the program going while also showcasing the beneficial work of the End Dogfighting campaign.
Resources needed: Volunteers to organize, venue, and various other elements depending on event
How to Get Started
The HSUS wants to help you establish an End Dogfighting program in your city. Contact Laurie Maxwell: lmaxwell@hsus.org for information on jump starting a program in your city.
Related Links
The HSUS's End Dogfighting Program
Ending Dogfighting in Chicago: A View from the Streets
End Dogfighting in Chicago
Chicago Religious Leaders Join with The HSUS to Condemn Dogfighting Violence
Atlanta, Chicago Taking the Bite out of Dogfighting
YouTube to TV: One Anti-Dogfighting Video Debuts in Chicago
Dogfighting Puts Everyone's Life on the Line
