Chicago Police Department and The HSUS Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program

January 10, 2008

CHICAGO — The Chicago Police Department and The Humane Society of the United States have formed an exciting partnership to combat animal fighting. At a joint press conference held 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. 

"We are extremely pleased to announce this additional incentive in our efforts to end dogfighting in Chicago," said Interim Superintendent Dana Starks. "We are confident that this reward program will help encourage citizens to work with law enforcement to eliminate this terrible crime," he added.

The HSUS' End Dogfighting in Chicago program, which has been developed over the last two years, features specialized police training about dogfighting, media and educational campaigns targeted to youths, a program involving street-level intervention with potential dogfighters, and more.

In October, The HSUS awarded the Chicago Police Department's Animal Crimes Unit a humane law enforcement award for its work to combat dogfighting in the city.

"The Chicago Police Department has been a leader when it comes to attacking the cruel, underground world of dogfighting in Chicago," said Ann Chynoweth, senior director of The HSUS's Animal Cruelty and Fighting Campaign.

Dogfighting and cockfighting involve pitting two animals against each other in fights that continue until one animal is dead, or maimed to the point that he cannot continue. Animals used for fighting suffer gruesome, bloody injuries and often die for the sake of gambling and entertainment.

Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions:

• If you have information about illegal animal fighting, contact the Chicago Police Department at 1-800-535-STOP (7867).

Dogfighting Facts:

• Dogfighting is a highly-organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.

• About 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.

• A three-year study released by the Chicago Police Department showed that 65 percent of the people arrested for animal abuse crimes—including dogfighting—were also arrested for violent crimes against people.

Cockfighting Facts:

• Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.

• 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 amounts of cash present, firearms and other weapons.

• Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution illegal drugs. 

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