Talk Back: Stop Fighting

On the heels of last week's dogfighting sting, members of The HSUS's Emergency Services team are working with staff from the Humane Society of Missouri and other groups to care for more than 400 dogs at an emergency shelter in St. Louis. It was the largest one-day coordination of raids in U.S. history, and the perpetrators are likely to be charged under the upgraded federal animal fighting law that The HSUS steered to passage. The dogs will soon be evaluated to determine whether they are suitable candidates for placement with rescue groups or permanent adoption, in accordance with HSUS policy.

© The HSUS

In our efforts to keep the pressure on animal fighters, we also this week announced a national tip line for information about persons involved in illegal animal fighting: 877-TIP-HSUS. Our rewards program (up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting or cockfighting) and state-based tip lines have already dealt a major blow against these criminals, and this week we rolled out yet another tool in our campaign.

You had much to say about this eight-state raid and today I share some of your enthusiastic comments:

The people behind dogfighting should be held to the highest degree of accountability for their cruelty and malice. Thank you, HSUS, for not only freeing and protecting the dogs left in this cruelty's wake, but also for working to make laws and penalties for dogfighting strong and severe. —Alia

I just wanted to thank you guys sooo much for all of your hard work. I own, love and cherish my American pit bull terrier, and could never imagine my baby in a place like that. It breaks my heart. God bless all of you, and all of your hard work. —Christy

Huge applause to you for the work that you have done and continue to do. I could not stomach the thought of having to witness something so barbaric and I hope you take some relief with the forward steps you have taken. It’s people like you and causes like yours that make people like me happy to donate. You do the work that we wish we could do—but cannot. Keep up the good work and we'll keep up the donations to assist you whenever we can. —SK

This story is heartbreaking and at the same time heartwarming… Please keep speaking for the voiceless. Thank you. —Myriam Giovannini

Thank you so much for your courageous and lifesaving work. The horror within the dogfighting world is something the public needs to be educated on. Thank you for bringing this out in the open and hopefully bringing justice to the perpetrators. Unfortunately, the punishment they will receive (if any) will be mild in comparison to the pain and suffering they have caused these innocent animals. —Laurie Mitchell

Thank you for all that is being done to save these helpless dogs. Just look at their eyes. So empty of hope, and so longing for love. How can humans have such cold, cold hearts? —Shelley

Scotlund, Chris and ALL of you involved in this raid—THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. This cannot go on any longer and these criminals need to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Every time I see those poor dogs with those HUGE collars and chains on I get so upset. It is just heartbreaking. Each and every one of you involved are so brave and you have my utmost respect. Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude. May God bless all of you, the animals and may he keep all of you safe! —Karen Wagner

It's great to know people are out there making a difference for these beautiful creatures. I love animals and it's unjust what people do. I could never watch two dogs going at each other and the fact that there are people who do so, for thrills nonetheless, appalls me. —Kelly Morrissette

Thanks so much for all you are doing for these animals. I'm 79 years old and not in good health so I can't do much personally. It is so gratifying to read that efforts are underway to save these helpless dogs from a lifetime of suffering. I hope those responsible for this inhumane sport come before a judge who is shocked and disgusted by the evidence presented to him. —Pat Ruch

This is so fantastic! I'm in law school now, with the aspirations of becoming an attorney fighting these exact same things. I am specializing in animal law because, while I can't physically get out there and work on these raids and all, I can, however, be a voice behind the scenes for these precious, abused animals. Thank you so much for all you're doing. —Rebecca D Terrill

I am watching this on our local news. I am from St. Louis and have adopted many of my dogs from the Humane Society of Missouri. I was horrified to see the news last night about this. I applaud our humane society for all the work they are doing. I told my husband I will be making a donation because they so need it! Every little bit helps! —Linda

I salute all of you wonderful people who worked so hard and dealt with so many atrocities in order to rescue those 450 poor dogs. I consider myself a huge animal lover and pray every night for the welfare of all animals, and my prayers were answered today. Thank you so much for you bravery and love of animals! —Michelle Nieman

I understand one of the raids was in Texas. It's about time. Illegal dogfighting has been ignored here for way, way too long. —J. M. Stovall

My heart breaks every day thinking of the dogs that are suffering at the hands of humans. Puppy mills, dogfighting, tethering, isolation, murder, neglect and any form of abuse of all animals must be stopped. I hope the violators are punished to the full extent of the law. Thank you for the work you do to help animals. —5DogMa

You people are truly amazing for acting and getting the word out that you will not tolerate this horror. as well as puppy mills…so thank you from the bottom of my heart. As I sit here in Ontario, Canada, and share my home with three little LOYAL rescue fosters from one of the Quebec mill raids orchestrated by Scotlund and the HSUS, I thank you every day for saving these precious souls from a horrible long life in cages and filth. I tell them about the HSUS and share the fact that you came all the way up to Canada to help them! So thank you for what you do and I will certainly send a donation to help with your great work! —Janet Robertson