The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

-Mahatma Gandhi

#GetTough against dog fighting 

In an alternate universe, Piper might not have made it into a safe shelter. She might not have been pulled by a pit bull rescue. She might not have made it to me to be fostered and socialized. Piper might not have become a permanent member of  my family where she is safe and loved. Piper, because of her physique and her blocky head, and her terrier tenacity would likely have been used and abused by dog fighters.

 Join the #GetTough Against Dog Fighting Campaign

April 8th is National Dog Fighting Awareness Day and the ASPCA has launched the #GetTough campaign to bring awareness to how we can join together as a national and global community to combat dog fighting.

Dog fighting is a disgusting practice that destroys dogs physically and mentally. The abuse dogs suffer at the hands of dog fighters to turn them into fighting dogs is appalling and as the famous quote above suggests, any society that tolerates such treatment of its animals is at risk of losing its soul. I will spare you images or videos of the physical and mental harm that dog fighting causes. You know the damage that is done. 

If you’ve ever witnessed dogs attacking one another, you know how terrifying it is. Anyone who would intentionally incite such an interaction is beyond despicable. Sadly, bully breeds like Piper are used more often than other dogs for fighting which only feeds the myth that pit bull type dogs are inherently aggressive and dangerous. In reality, just like any other dogs, their behavior is a combination of environment, health, socialization, individual personality and genetics. 

Unfortunately, the laws punishing dog fighters and animal abusers have been ineffective. Often lawmakers focus on breed-specific legislation rather than on punishing animal abusers or irresponsible owners. Following the infamous and widely publicized Michael Vick dog fighting bust there was hope that punishments and fines for dog fighters and animal abusers would be increased. Sadly, we still have a long way to go and there have been few high profile celebrities to join the cause.

Recently, Sir Patrick Stewart and his wife, Sunny Ozell fostered a pit bull named Ginger. Upon learning more about the inordinate use of pit bull type dogs in fighting rings and learning that they would not be able to adopt Ginger because of breed specific legislation in the UK where Stewart and Ozell spend much of their time, Stewart has, thankfully, become the face of the #GetTough against dog fighting campaign. (Those of you who know me know that I don’t fan girl often, but when I do it’s generally over someone who walks the talk when it comes to pit bull advocacy.)

Getting Tough Takes a Team Effort

Our friends over at Fidose of Reality share our intense hatred for dog fighting. They are giving away an awesome #GetTough Against Dog Fighting Prize Pack from the ASPCA. Head over there and enter the giveaway and show your support for ending dog fighting in the US and worldwide.