Chicago Religious Leaders Join with The HSUS to Condemn Violence of Dogfighting

May 31, 2008

CHICAGO — Today, a contingent of Chicago ministers, rabbis and other religious leaders joined The Humane Society of the United States at the Carroll Care Center to denounce dogfighting and sign a pledge to help combat the crime.  

The event is part of The HSUS's End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign, a community-based initiative to combat dogfighting that involves education, youth mediation, dog training, community outreach and work with law enforcement. For more information about the campaign, please click here.

Rev. Steve Greer of the Christian Valley Baptist Church said, "It's important for religious leaders to speak out against cruelty to animals. God tells us that we are stewards of our animal brethren and I am certain that stewardship doesn't include dogfighting."

The pledge defines the responsibility of religious leaders to address animal cruelty and dogfighting in their community. It reads:

"As a leader in the Chicago religious community, I pledge:

• To acknowledge dogfighting as a problem in our community that breeds violence, and speak out against it as necessary
• To educate youth about the dangers of dogfighting
• To highlight the responsibilities of people of faith to act as faithful stewards of God's creatures."

Rev. Robin Hood of Clergy Committed to Community said, "This is not just about cruelty to animals. Dogfighters bring the worst to our communities; including violence, drugs and gang activity. By getting rid of dogfighting, we have safer communities."

Indeed, dogfighting is not only a threat to the dogs of Chicago. A three-year study by the Chicago Police Department determined that 70 percent of people arrested for animal crimes, including dogfighting, were also arrested for other felonies including drug trafficking and aggravated battery.

Immediately following the pledge signing, The HSUS's Pit Bull Training Team conducted its weekly dog training session for young men from the Austin neighborhood who may face pressure to involve their dogs in dogfighting.

Tio Hardiman, Special Consultant to The HSUS's National Campaign to End Dogfighting, spoke about the organization's program in Chicago: "Dogfighting is just another form of violence in Chicago communities. Dogs are torn apart and discarded, while people live in fear of dogs who are trained to kill. To fight this scourge we bring community leaders together to speak out against dogfighting, participate in youth mediation and education, and provide an alternative for young men who are at risk of getting involved in this dead-end crime."

Through our Animals & Religion program, The HSUS carries its mission — celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — to religious communities nationwide who share our principles of mercy and compassion. Find out more about our religious outreach at humanesociety.org/religion.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.