Rep. Mike Castle and The HSUS Announce New Animal Fighting Reward Program

November 5, 2007

WILMINGTON, Del. — Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) 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. This doubles The HSUS's longstanding reward of $2,500.

As part of the campaign, Castle recorded a radio public service announcement about the new reward—available at hsus.org/animalfightingpsa.

"The Humane Society of the United States has been at the forefront of educating communities across the nation about the horrors of animal fighting," said Castle. "While they are to be commended for their work, we all have a responsibility to reach out and learn the warning signs of this abuse in our own neighborhoods. If we work together with HSUS, we can make a difference for thousands of animals who are suffering."

Dogfighting and cockfighting involves pitting two animals to fight each other until one of them cannot continue. Animals used for fighting suffer gruesome, bloody injuries and often death for the sake of gambling and entertainment.

"Representative Castle's support and assistance on this anti-cruelty campaign is highly valuable to The HSUS," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "Dogfighting, cockfighting, and other forms of animal cruelty are rotten forms of conduct that deserve zero tolerance."

Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions:

• If you have information about illegal animal fighting, contact your local police department or animal control agency. The HSUS will protect your identity, but if you wish to remain anonymous, please inform the police officer you speak to. 
• If the suspected animal fighter is convicted, ask the law enforcement agency involved in the case to write a letter to The HSUS.
• The letter should state that your tip helped lead to the arrest and prosecution of the convicted animal fighter and should be mailed or faxed as follows:

Animal Fighting Reward Program
c/o Ann Chynoweth
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037

Fax: 301-721-6414

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 of illegal drugs. 

Dogfighting Facts:

• Dogfighting is a highly-organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
• 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% of the people arrested for animal abuse crimes—including dogfighting—were also arrested for violent crimes against people.  

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Media Contact for Rep. Castle: Meredith Sullivan, 302-428-1902, Meredith.Sullivan@mail.house.gov

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.