News: Dog Fighting Reward

October 2, 2008
(501)682-0517

Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and The Humane Society of the United States Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program
LITTLE ROCK - Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and The Humane Society of the United States have teamed up to combat animal fighting in Arkansas . At a press conference held today at the Office of the Attorney General, they announced that The HSUS is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.

"Animal fighting is a horribly cruel practice and anyone who participates in it should pay a price for their crime," Attorney General McDaniel said. "We are glad to partner with The Humane Society of the United States to offer this new reward and help put those who fight animals out of business for good."

Cockfighting and dog fighting are crimes in Arkansas . Dog fighting is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 6 years of imprisonment and/or a maximum $10,000 fine. Cockfighting is a misdemeanor in Arkansas punishable by up to one year in jail and a maximum $1000.00 fine.

"The Humane Society of the United States is thrilled to have the support of Attorney General McDaniel in the battle to stamp out animal fighting." said Desiree Bender, Arkansas state director for The HSUS.

Animal fighting "contests" are abhorrent spectacles in which animals are pitted in bloody duels - often to the death - for human entertainment. These cruel and illicit encounters are spawning grounds for other criminal activities, including drugs and violence, dragging down entire communities. Credible studies and law enforcement experts agree that people who engage in this kind of violence against animals are likely to exert violence against people.

This reward program has been made possible thanks to a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation.
Animal Fighting Reward Program Instructions:
* If you have information about illegal animal fighting in Arkansas , call your local law enforcement or animal control agency. If you wish to remain anonymous, let the agent whom you give your tip to know that you do not want your identity released to the public, but are interested in The HSUS' reward. Make sure to note the officer's name. * If the suspected animal fighter is convicted, ask the law enforcement agency involved in the case to write a letter to The HSUS. * The letter should state that your tip helped lead to the arrest and prosecution of the convicted animal fighter and should be mailed or faxed to:
Animal Fighting Reward Program
C/O Ann Chynoweth
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20037
FAX: 301-721-6414

For more information about The HSUS' animal fighting reward program, call 301-258-1459.