We all have the civic responsibility to stop the sadistic "contest" called dog fighting, in which two dogs specifically bred and trained to fight are used for spectators' entertainment and gambling.

This act is simply an animal abuse with criminal intents and thus requires your efforts, the police and other law enforcement agents' intervention to stop it.

Signs of dog fighting incidence

Common signs of dog fighting include torn mouth, gaping body wounds with blood, broken bones and teeth, burn or scar on the body. Other signs are blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion and infections resulting from the wound.

These injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs in dogfights are severe, even fatal and can lead to death.

It is important to note that dog fight is not only an animal cruelty issues but also child welfare and community issues and it is a felony offense.

When children are present at dog fighting contests, they are exposed to extreme brutality, violence and cruelty. In the community, dog fights breeds contempt for other creatures and it's frequently associated with criminal activities including illegal weapons and drugs as well as other violent crimes including child abuse and domestic violence.

You can Act to Stop Dog Fight and Animal Abuse by any or all of the followings

· Call 911 immediately you notice any or all of the above signs or if you know of a fight in progress or an intending fight. Or 311 if you suspect dog fights or animal abuse.

· Write to the Superintendent of Chicago Police Department, 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago,IL 60653 or Police Department in your community.

· If you are a child, tell your parents, an adult or report to a nearby store and let them report the incidence to the police

· Adult in the community should contact their Alderman. Ask them to encourage Police Department to increase their effort to fight this crime.

· Contact the University of Illinois Extension, small animal health Educator at (708) 449-4320 for more information about humane treatment of animals and other small animal health issues.

Here are some useful websites for more information:

The Humane Society of the United States:Dog Fighting

Pets Are Worth Saving: Chicago: Dog Fighting

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: Dog Fighting FAQ