Englewood ‘Walk for Peace’ Honors Son Killed Defending His Dogs from Fighting

June 28, 2008

Englewood community members gathered this morning in the 7800 block of Ada St. to take part in the first Englewood Walk for Peace. The walk was organized to honor Julius Birdine, a man who was killed for not allowing his pit bulls to be used for dogfighting, and to denounce recent violence in Chicago.

The Walk for Peace march was planned by Joyce Birdine, Julius' mother. On June 25, 2006, 26-year-old Julius Birdine was killed by a gang member who insisted that Julius fight his pit bull dogs. When Julius refused, a fight ensued and Julius was shot three times, once in the back and twice in the head. Julius left behind a wife and a 10-year-old daughter.

Tio Hardiman, a Chicago anti-violence advocate and special consultant to The Humane Society of the United States' National End Dogfighting Campaign, helped to coordinate the march.

"This day is to honor Julius Birdine who courageously stood up to those who only want to bring more violence and killings to our neighborhoods," said Hardiman. "We join with the Englewood community to stand strong against violence, in whatever form it takes."

Students, family members and supporters from the Englewood community participated in the walk. Marchers distributed reward posters from The Humane Society of the United States encouraging community members to report dogfighting and receive up to a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of a dogfighter.

"My son was a brave and compassionate man who would never let anyone hurt his family, including his dogs," said Joyce Birdine. "This gathering of people today makes me proud of my son and also gives me hope that we can stop the killings."

Dogfighting is prevalent in many parts of Chicago and is typically associated with other crimes, such as drug dealing and human violence. A three-year study released by the Chicago Police Department showed that 65 percent of the people charged with animal abuse crimes — including dogfighting — were also charged with violent crimes against people. Additionally, 70 percent of those charged with animal abuse crimes had also been charged with illegal narcotics crimes. 

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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.