SEATTLE—The HSUS today praised the Portland Trail Blazers
organization for its quick response to allegations that reserve
forward Qyntel Woods is involved in dog fighting. Woods was
suspended without pay yesterday and an investigation is
underway.
According to press reports, Woods allegedly abandoned his
injured pit bull after the dog was reportedly wounded in an
illegal dog fight. Based on those allegations, the Oregon
Humane Society and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s deputies
searched Woods’ home for evidence of dog fighting last Monday.
Charges have not been filed in the case. Dog fighting is
illegal in all 50 states, and a felony offense in 48 states,
including Oregon. If charged and convicted of dog fighting,
Woods could face up to five years in prison and a $100,000
fine.
Recent years have seen an upward spike in dog fighting among
professional athletes. Former NFL running back LeShon Johnson
is facing prison time in Oklahoma for his alleged involvement
in dog fighting. Former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton was
once arrested at a dog fight. Former Oakland Raider Tyrone
Wheatley even once bragged about having sold dogs for fighting.
“Professional sports organizations should have a zero
tolerance policy for animal abuse,” said Robert Reder, regional
director of The HSUS Pacific Northwest Office in Seattle. “We
urge other professional sports franchises to follow the Trail
Blazers’ lead in taking seriously any allegations that their
players may be involved in this cruel and illegal activity.
The HSUS urges all sports franchises to follow the lead of
the Portland Trail Blazers and send a clear message that
involvement in dog fighting is unacceptable.
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s department is investigating
this case with the assistance of the Oregon Humane Society,
which is not affiliated with The HSUS.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s
largest animal protection organization with more than eight
million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream
voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals
and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals
in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The
HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation,
investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The
non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th
anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10
regional offices across the country. On the web at
www.hsus.org.
The HSUS Pacific Northwest Regional Office serves
Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Idaho.
