Cash offered in bid to bust animal fights
By Ashleigh Oldland, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Millie is a brown-haired, white-toed pooch who looks as if she's smiling all the time.
But a closer look reveals her face is covered in scars and her ears are torn from wounds she received as a "bait dog."
Millie was introduced at a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol, where the national Humane Society offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.
"I look forward to the day when these heinous crimes become a thing of the past," said Attorney General John Suthers.
Millie, an American pit bull terrier, was taken to Mariah's Promise dog sanctuary in Teller County after being treated at Douglas County Animal Hospital for severe wounds.
"Bait dogs don't have the skills or integrity to fight so they are used for practice and training other dogs," said Christina Garcia, a former volunteer for Mariah's Promise, where Millie is up for adoption.
Paula Armenta, a volunteer for Mariah's Promise, said the sanctuary doesn't get many rescued fighting dogs because owners sometimes kill the animals if they don't win or suffer a severe injury.
"We've only gotten four or five fight dogs at the sanctuary in the last four years," Armenta said.
The arrest and subsequent conviction of former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick for his role in a dogfighting ring raised public awareness about the problem.
Two dogs trained to fight are placed in a pit surrounded by spectators. The fight ends when one of the dogs is dead, wounded or gives up.
More than 250,000 dogs are used in fights each year.
Dogfighting and cockfighting are Class 5 felonies in Colorado punishable by one to three years in prison and possible fines from $1,000 to $100,000.
The Humane Society links animal fighting to gambling, drug dealing, the spread of disease and other violent crimes.
If you have information about illegal animal fighting in Colorado, contact law enforcement or animal control. Tips may remain anonymous.
For information about adopting Millie or other pets, go to petfinder.com.
oldlanda@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5624
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