Reward Offered for Information about Recent Dogfighting Activity in Eastern Washington and North Idaho

June 22, 2007

In light of a recent dogfighting raid in Spokane and last year's discovery of a severely injured pit bull, believed to be used as "bait" for dogfighting, in the Priest River, North Idaho area, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering a reward of up to $2500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in these cases, or who organizes, participates, promotes or officiates at any animal fight.

The Case:
On April 24, Spokane County Officials raided an alleged dogfighting operation in Spokane, Washington, where eight dogs and numerous animal fighting paraphernalia were seized. The case is pending. In February 2006, The HSUS posted a reward for information regarding a severely injured pit bull found in the Priest River area of North Idaho that, according to veterinary reports, may have been used as "bait" for training fighting dogs.

"Recent information suggests that dogs used for fighting are being shuffled across state lines, possibly into Idaho, where dogfighting is a mere misdemeanor," said Nancy Hill, Director of Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Services. The recently passed Federal Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act makes it a felony offense to transport animals or animal fighting paraphernalia between states or internationally for an animal fighting venture.

"Sadly, we see a number of dogs at our shelter in North Idaho who exhibit injuries consistent with dogfighting. Under existing Idaho law, however, we must catch such criminals in the act," said Dr. Tami McReynolds, Director of Lewis Clark Shelter in Idaho.

Animal Fighting:
The Humane Society of the United States and law enforcement agencies long recognize the connection between animal fighting, animal cruelty and other illegal crimes. The HSUS' Final Round Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about dogfighting, cockfighting and hog-dogfighting. The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty and animal fighting cases across the country and works to strengthen laws to combat these abuses. For more information, visit humanesociety.org/animalfighting.

Animal Fighting Facts:

• Dogfighting is a Class C felony in Washington punishable by up to five years in prison and/or up to $10,000 fine. 
• Idaho is one of only two states in the nation where dogfighting is only a misdemeanor.
• The Federal Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which makes the interstate or international transport of animals and paraphernalia used for animal fighting a felony, was signed into law on May 4, 2007.
• Dogfighting is a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs—specifically bred, conditioned and trained—are forced to fight each other, for the spectators' gambling and entertainment. Fights average nearly an hour in length and often last more than two hours. Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight.
• Dogs used for fighting are bred for many generations to be dangerously aggressive toward other animals. The presence of these dogs in a community increases the risk of attacks not only on other animals but also on people.

The Investigators:
Anyone with information is asked to contact Nancy Hill at Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service at 509-477-1967.

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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.

The HSUS West Coast Regional Office serves Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and Hawaii. The HSUS Northern Rockies Regional Office serves Idaho, Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and Montana.