The other day in a Facebook group, I read a post that got me to thinking. A woman wrote that around noon that day, she’d seen two young men walking down the street, each with two Pit Bulls on leashes.
What would YOU think if you came upon this scene? Would you think this group was on its way to a day of fun at the dog park? Or would you be more inclined to believe these men were up to no good, probably headed to a dog fight?
As an animal lover, this isn’t a scene I can turn my back on. I would’ve tried to keep a low profile, you know, be inconspicuous, and follow the men and the dogs. I would’ve tried to find out where they were going, and what they were up to, and if need be, I would’ve called the authorities. I wouldn’t have put myself in physical danger, but I would’ve pursued them as long as I could.
What would YOU do in this situation?
Of course I realize there’s a chance that these two men weren’t up to anything illegal or immoral. My point is, I’d have to see the proof of that. Otherwise, I don’t think I could live with myself if I just went on about my day, without trying to find out the truth.
Today I’m thinking about Nathan, a once beautiful white Pit Bull in Fort Worth, Texas, used as bait in a dog fighting ring. He was pulled by an animal rescue group from a shelter in the most unimaginable condition. His muzzle was completely destroyed, his face in shreds. He was immediately taken to the vet for emergency treatment, but sweet Nathan died the next day in surgery.
If you want to see what a victim of dog fighting looks like, here are Nathan’s photos. I must warn you that there are some graphic images. But if we’re going to recognize and understand the tragedy that is dog fighting, I believe it’s necessary for us to see the images.
We cannot turn a blind eye to dog fighting. We can’t fool ourselves into believing it isn’t happening right here in our own communities. We simply cannot allow innocent animals to be used as bait, and we can’t allow the “fighter dogs” to be turned into killing machines. We must be willing to step up for these voiceless creatures.
It’s important to remember that any human being who would harm an animal, an innocent, defenseless creature, has no moral backbone and most likely wouldn’t have a problem harming you, or your child, or your pet.
It’s important to remember that a dangerous criminal element of gambling, drugs, and violence always surrounds a dog fighting operation.
It’s important to remember that even if you don’t own a Pit Bull, YOU can be the victim of dog fighting. Pets of every breed and species are stolen right out of their own yards every single day, in every community, to be used as bait.
Is this what you want in your community? Of course not. But are you willing to do something to stop it?
Nathan’s story is the heartbreaking truth of dog fighting, and the way that most dog fighting stories end. But there can be happy endings when we get involved. Just look at Dolly and Beau. Their stories were rewritten because someone cared enough to get involved and make a difference.
So I ask you. What would YOU do to make your community safer? What would YOU do to be a voice for the voiceless? Are you willing to go out on a limb? Are you willing to take a stand?
deadgamexxx says
August 20, 2012 at 2:48 pmI have been the one fighting !
Fighting for my dogs and all the rest of the underdogs .Ive always defended the defenseless i could never just stand by and watch people or in this case Pit Bulls get bullied . I am constantly attending BSL hearings in my area and visit Craven desires maul talk and the rest of the hate sites where I defend and argue on behalf of The American Pit Bull Terrier Come visit my page there is some good videos ive made and some positive story’s that the media doesnt broadcast across the country like they do when there’s a tragedy. As far as if I thought someone was fighting dogs how would I handle it , Let me tell you Im 6′.2 265 lbs and very capable hwen it comes time to drop the gloves. I have been a responsible owner of APBT’s for twenty seven years & over the span have Owned six and they have never had a single complaint against them
Come by and join my page.
FFYR
deadgamexxx says
August 20, 2012 at 2:48 pmAnyone who could exploit a animals loyalty for their own personal gain or inflating their egos as far as Im concerned are the lowest forms of scum ! AQ dog is about the only thing that Loves unconditionally.
A Maui Blog says
August 20, 2012 at 2:48 pmIt really is pitiful to see dogs after a dog fight. 🙁 I hope this blog will help others realize that pitbulls were not made only to be put to dogfights. Dropping by from the UBP, btw.