What is Best Friends doing to combat dogfighting?
Best Friends has successfully worked to create anti-dogfighting legislation in Georgia. The legislation criminalizes not only those directly involved with dogfighting, but also allows for prosecution of spectators, advertisers and hosts of dogfights. Best Friends is currently spearheading a bill in Illinois that would prevent people who are convicted of fighting dogs from owning unsterilized dogs. Dogfighting is a cultural problem of epidemic proportions. Estimated to be a billion-dollar industry, it’s firmly rooted in at-risk communities in every major city in the U.S. More than legislation is needed to effect real change. Best Friends is a national partner of Safe Humane Chicago, a community-wide alliance to combat violence by promoting compassion and caring for people and animals. The goals of this alliance are to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and safety; promote programs that stop the violence associated with dogfighting and animal abuse by providing positive,
