More Than 260 Local Police Officers Attend The HSUS’ Anti-Dogfighting Training in Chicago

May 23, 2008

CHICAGO — Today, more than 260 police officers from the Chicagoland area attended The Humane Society of the United States' anti-dogfighting training where they were taught to recognize the signs of dogfighting, as well as how to gather evidence at the scene from a veteran vice and narcotics investigator.

Sandy DeLisle, coordinator of The HSUS's End Dogfighting in Chicago program and the host of today's workshop, was overwhelmed by the level of participation from local law enforcement: "The Chicago Police Department has been at the forefront of combating dogfighting, a crime not only of obvious animal cruelty but also one that is associated with other social ills like illegal drugs, weapons and gambling."

DeLisle added, "Today's great turnout is further evidence of their commitment to eradicating this scourge from our city."

The majority of those in attendance were CPD officers, but officers from nearby towns and suburbs also participated. All officers received a Dogfighting Investigation certificate from The HSUS.

Lt. John Garrido of the CPD's 25th District called the training "eye-opening." He also said that he "was happy to see the Chicago Police Department taking a proactive role in the fight against dogfighting."

According to Capt. Batrich of the CPD's 9th District, "The officers attending the workshop were a true cross-section of the Department. We had officers from all different areas within the CPD — Tactical and Gang squad representatives, supervisors, and regular beat officers."

Sgt. David Hunt of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office in Columbus, Ohio, who conducted the training, has been the lead officer for all dogfighting investigations in his county, executing 41 search warrants that resulted in 65 felony dogfighting arrests. A court recognized expert on dogfighting, Sgt. Hunt testified before Congress in support of The Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act of 2007. The Act, which was signed into law by President Bush in May 2007, amended the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or imprisonment for up to three years for animal fighting. This week, Congress upgraded penalties even further through provisions of the Farm Bill.

For more information about The HSUS's Anti-Dogfighting Officer Training or the End Dogfighting in Chicago campaign, please contact Sandy DeLisle at (847) 287-8031.

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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.