John,
When you think of dogfighting, you may think of dogs who are victimized by being forced to train and fight. Many people don’t realize there are other animals who are also victims of this grisly crime. But the fact is, dogfighters ruthlessly acquire animals to use as “live bait” for the dogs they’re training.
They get dogs or cats from shelters, or from “free to good home” ads. Dogfighters have set up sham rescue groups to acquire animals just to use as bait. Some even go so far as to steal family pets. These pets and shelter animals are then thrown in front of dogs as “bait,” to be attacked and torn apart during training for dogfights. |
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John, this is Abby. Abby is a former “bait” dog who was rescued in a dogfighting raid. She’s a quiet timid dog; very good natured — she wouldn’t hurt a fly — which is why she was used as a “bait” dog. When Abby was adopted, she was still healing from the physical wounds she sustained and was very afraid and distrustful of people.
Animals like Abby that suffer abuse at the hands of dogfighters have no time to lose. Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we've already surpassed our goal of 250 donors to fight right now for stronger laws to crack down on dogfighting, hold abusers accountable, and save animals’ lives. But our work isn't done, and we still need your help. Please help us reach our new goal of 1,000 donors by August 31.
John, to end dogfighting, secure justice for all the animal victims of this vicious crime, and hold animal abusers accountable, we must strengthen the law. The Animal Legal Defense Fund is tackling dogfighting by making it easier to prosecute and hold everyone who profits from and supports this vicious practice accountable. We’ve drafted a recommended amendment to state laws that would enable prosecutors to charge animal fighters under state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (RICO) statutes. |
RICO statutes were designed to prosecute organized crime. When applied to dogfighting, our RICO amendment would give prosecutors greater power to pursue justice for the animals abused and killed by everyone involved in the dogfighting industry.
We can’t win this fight overnight, but we will win with you beside us. Animals trapped in the brutal world of dogfighting need you to fight for them. Help us reach our goal of 1,000 donors by August 31. |
For the animals,
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Stephen Wells
Executive Director
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This email was sent to [email protected].
© 2020 Animal Legal Defense Fund
525 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931 | (707) 795-2533 |
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