Deal Dogs a Winning Hand |
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June 5, 2008
By Ariana Huemer
In the world of professional poker, there are two names that rise to the top of the pack: Annie Duke and Howard Lederer. Now these top dogs of the poker world are joining forces to do battle against dogfighting.
Devotion to Dogs
Lifelong dog lovers who consider their dogs part of their family, Los Angeles resident Duke and Las Vegas resident Howard, were appalled when they learned about the horrors—and the prevalence—of dogfighting in the U.S.
For Annie, the issue struck close to home because in Los Angeles dogfighting is considered a major crime problem in some parts of the city. For Howard, dogfighting was particularly relevant because his home state of Nevada has one of the weakest dogfighting laws in the nation.
"As a person who considers my dog a part of my family, I am appalled that Nevada hasn't taken a stronger stance against the blood sport of dogfighting," said Howard. "My goal in speaking out is to help change that."
Dogs Shouldn't Have to Gamble with Their Lives
Duke and Lederer spoke out with a new public service announcement which they shot during a stay at Cesar's Palace during the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas earlier this year. Featuring Lederer and Duke seated at a poker table with a pitbull between them, the advertisement urges, "Deal Dogs a Winning Hand."
With so much money at stake, one might think the poker champs would have a lot on their minds during the World Poker Tournament. But Annie didn't mind taking time out for the dogs.
"When Howard and I gamble, we do it by choice," said Duke. "Dogs abused for fighting have no choice. They live and die for the gambling and amusement of others. That's the antithesis of what gambling should be."
Pitbulls are Lovers, Not Fighters
Buru, the huggable pitbull who appears in the PSA with Duke and Lederer, seemed to agree. Seated between Duke and Lederer, he was much more at home snuggling with people than he would be in the fighting ring. With the help of these two poker powerhouses and Buru's friendly face, hopes are high that this message will be a winning hand for dogs.
Ariana Huemer is cruelty case manager for The Humane Society of the United States.
See the Video
Dogfighting
Dogfighting Pet Minute
Related Links
Dogfighting
Taking Action to End Dogfighting: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do
Dogfighting Fact Sheet
Ranking of State Dogfighting Laws
