January 21, 2008
End Dogfighting in Your City
Laurie Maxwell/The HSUS
The Humane Society of the United States is proud to present our comprehensive, city-wide approach to ending street dogfighting.
Since 2006, we have been piloting End Dogfighting™, which uses community-based initiatives to divert youth from dogfighting while giving them the tools for responsible dog ownership.
How to Get Started
The HSUS wants to help you establish an End Dogfighting™ program in your city. Contact Laurie Maxwell with questions, for advice, or for any of the free resources listed below. (Feel free to pick and choose components according to your community's needs.)
Pit Bull Training Team
Anti-Dogfighting Advocates
Humane Education
First Responder Outreach
Community Events and Partnership
Law Enforcement Outreach
Pit Bull Training Team
End Dogfighting™ holds free, weekly dog-training classes, known as the Pit Bull Training Team. Geared toward young, at-risk pit bull owners, the PBTT diverts susceptible youths from dogfighting with alternative activities that showcase pit bulls as loyal, talented, agile companions—not weapons.
Formal obedience, agility, and socialization all come together in this unique class. To meet the challenges, students must learn to work with their dogs as a team. Basic obedience and agility training build confidence and act as outlets for energetic dogs.
While PBTT trainers maintain a positive approach, they remain realistic: learning how to deal with dog aggression and how to relate to their dogs in a chaotic urban neighborhood is an essential part of the program. As students progress, new bonds are forged and respect is born on both ends of the leash.
At the end of each session, students can test for their AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification. Many students return for follow-up sessions, either to build upon their expertise or to mentor newer PBTT students.
Resources needed: (1) Experienced dog trainer with pit bull experience, as well as support trainers and/or volunteers; (2) Training facility (preferably one within walking distance of the target population). If one is not available, activity rooms in community buildings such as local youth centers or churches work well; (3) Donated equipment: leashes, collars, agility equipment, dog treats, vaccinations, etc.; (4) PBTT curriculum and guidelines, available free from The HSUS.
End Dogfighting™ uses anti-violence methods in order to steer kids away from dogfighting. Our ADAs are respected community members who also have a heart for dogs.
With ears to the ground, they stay in the know and on the frontlines, building relationships with at-risk youth and pit bull owners. By bringing these clients to the weekly PBTT classes and checking in with them during the week, they're instrumental in curtailing street dogfighting.
ADAs usually start as PBTT students who exhibit exceptional leadership skills and enthusiasm for the program. Their skills make them strong role models for other dog owners.
Resources needed: 1. Star students from PBTT classes who want to do more; 2) ADA training resources, available free from The HSUS.
End Dogfighting™ has developed an eight-week curriculum for middle school students in under-served communities, specifically designed to educate youth on dogfighting as a crime, animal cruelty as violence. It also teaches kids how to interact safely with dogs and to view pit bulls as companions.
The curriculum uses mock game shows, videos, hands-on projects, a field trip to a local shelter and a final project competition to engage students. Developed by a school teacher for classrooms, the curriculum also meets many national and state educational standards. The curriculum can also be modified for after-school programs and summer camps.
Resources needed: (1) Teachers or volunteers available during school hours; (2) Course curriculum, available free from The HSUS.
Involvement from all members of the community is crucial. Because they regularly visit virtually every home within the community, postal workers, utility workers and public works employees often see what other people can't. As such, they are crucial as the eyes and ears of the community. Educating public works employees on the signs of dogfighting and how to report it is an invaluable tool to End Dogfighting™.
The HSUS has developed formal materials and a presentation to educate public works employees on recognizing and reporting dogfighting.
Resources needed: (1) Participation from local public works departments; (2) HSUS materials free upon request.
Resources needed: (1) Participation from local public works departments; (2) Handouts identifying the signs of dogfighting, geared toward first responders, available free from The HSUS.
Community Events and Partnerships
End Dogfighting™ uses community events to educate communities about the dangers of dogfighting and animal cruelty. Each community hosts about six events a year, with the goal of engaging not only dogfighting-prone youths, but also their family members, friends, and neighbors.
Popular events include: shot clinics, spay/neuter clinics, dog food giveaways, block parties, anti-violence rallies, graffiti contests, pit bull photo exhibits, rap concerts, and celebrity speakers. Other community organizations—community centers, churches, schools, local businesses, animal shelters, and veterinarians—are crucial partners in hosting these events.
Resources needed: Various, depending upon the event.
To send a clear message that dogfighting will not be tolerated, law enforcement must be on board. The HSUS offers a wealth of materials to help law enforcement tackle dogfighting, including:
Resources needed: (1) Law enforcement participation; (2) Training room; (3) HSUS law enforcement training materials