With all the attention on Michael Vick, some might think that dogfighting is merely a fringe action used by African Americans and gangs in the South. Not only is that a fallacy, it minimizes the efforts across the nation to remove this vile and illegal event. Thankfully I noticed this item that helps to remind us that efforts across the nation continue.

In Chicago there is an ongoing action to end this despicable activity. Called Safe, Humane, Chicago it is a mix of the police department and local activists. The new organization will host education programs, encourage people to report animal abuse, and teach children and adults how to avoid attacks by dogs.

They will also promote publishing statistics about those that are involved with dogfighting. The numbers are astounding.

“70 percent of the convicted dogfighting and animal abusers have also been arrested for violent felonies against humans,” said Cynthia Bathurst of ‘Safe, Humane Chicago’. “Worse than that, 86 percent of them had multiple felonies in their backgrounds.”

As many would agree, it seems that anyone so inhumane as to cause dogs to fight to the death is also without compassion or connection to other people and the law of the land. I would say I’m shocked, but I am not. Those capable of what I consider evil, can committ other evil acts.

But with the help of Safe, Humane Chicago and other organization we might be able to get to the youth and remind them of the worth of life. All life. Hopefully it will work.