Rap Show Goes to the Dogs

	©Peter McCullough Photo
	Mic Terror helped put on a show for the dogs where artists rapped against dogfighting.

By Ariana Huemer

Kids across the country are hitting the books this fall, but some kids in Chicago converged for an evening in a different type of classroom: an anti-dogfighting concert at the Metro Chicago on September 24.

Featuring rappers Twista, EPMD and others, the Concert to End Dogfighting was put on both to entertain and send a message about the cruelties of dogfighting.

Music with a Message

Taking the message to the people, The Humane Society of the United States presented the concert as part of its ongoing End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign.

The show kicked off with local artist Mic Terror as the opening act. Headliner Twista, a Chicago native, pumped up the crowd, while EPMD rapped against animal cruelty. Between songs, anti-dogfighting advocate Tio Hardiman spoke to the crowd about the importance of steering clear of this cruel activity.

Humane Alternatives

To many, the highlight of the evening came when End Dogfighting in Chicago lead dog trainer Jeff Jenkins took the stage. To showcase a key component of the program, Jeff called Pitbull Training Team graduate Sean Moore and his dog Jigga to the stage. On cue, Jigga eagerly put on a performance to make any pit bull lover proud, jumping hurdles and climbing obstacles with ease, channeling the renowned pit bull energy and eagerness to please into a positive force.

The Concert to End Dogfighting continued The HSUS's on-the-ground efforts to reach at-risk youths and divert them from the dogfighting path by offering alternative activities that bring out the best in the breed. Fostering a positive partnership between people and their dogs strikes at the roots of dogfighting and provides an inspiration for the future.  

Ariana Huemer is cruelty case manager for The Humane Society of the United States.

Related Links

The HSUS's End Dogfighting Campaign:Tackling Urban Dogfighting

The HSUS's End Dogfighting Program

Ending Dogfighting in Chicago: A View from the Streets

Atlanta, Chicago Taking the Bite out of Dogfighting

Fighting Dogs Learn New Tricks in Chicago

YouTube to TV: One Anti-Dogfighting Video Debuts in Chicago

Hip Hop for Hounds Has A Winner!

Hip Hop Artist "Dagha" Simmons Collected Hip Hop for Hounds Award from The HSUS and Met Darryl "DMC" McDaniels

Chicago Religious Leaders Join with The HSUS to Condemn Dogfighting Violence

New York Kids Rap for Dogs

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