Oklahoma Attorney General and The HSUS Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program

March 31, 2008

Oklahoma Attorney General W.A. Drew Edmondson and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat cockfighting and dogfighting in the Sooner State. At a joint press conference 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.

"Animal fighting is an immensely cruel activity and also negatively impacts our communities with violence and illegal gambling," said Attorney General Edmondson. "Anyone who has information about illegal dogfighting or cockfighting should contact law enforcement so we can put a stop to this cruel crime."

Voters approved a state initiative in 2002 making cockfighting and a variety of associated activities a felony offense. Both dogfighting and cockfighting are both felony offenses punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

"We are thrilled to partner with Attorney General Edmondson on this new reward to bring animal fighters to justice," said Cynthia Armstrong, Oklahoma state director for The Humane Society of the United States. "Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of animal cruelty are social ills, and Oklahoma should exhibit zero tolerance for this conduct."

Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions:

• If you have information about illegal animal fighting, contact your local police department or animal control agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, you must inform the police officer you speak to. The HSUS protects the identity of anyone who contacts us with information about illegal animal fighting.  
• 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

About Dogfighting:

• Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year.
• The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.
• A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65 percent of people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people.

About Cockfighting:

• Tens of thousands of people are involved in cockfighting nationwide.
• Common cockfighting practices include breeding birds for viciousness, drugging them to heighten aggression, and fitting their legs with razor-sharp knives or gaffs resembling ice picks.
• 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 amount of cash present — firearms and other weapons are also often present.
• Law enforcement officials have documented a strong connection between cockfighting and the distribution of illegal drugs. 

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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.