TERRE HAUTE — The U.S. Congress recently passed legislation to help end organized dog and cock fighting. The bill, H.R. 137, gives felony penalties for interstate or foreign animal fighting activities, as well as outlawing any business in cockfighting weapons. The bill will take effect immediately if the president signs it into law.
“With the passage of this landmark anti-cruelty legislation, law enforcement agencies now have the tools to dismantle the vast underground network of dog fighting and cock fighting syndicates that operate throughout the country,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the U.S. “Staged animal fights spawn not just malicious animal cruelty but also drug trafficking, illegal gambling, public corruption, and even murder. We are fortunate to have had an extraordinary team of legislation champions to craft and pass a powerful law that will go a long way toward eradicating these sickening forms of animal cruelty.”
In the U.S., illegal dog fighting and cock fighting crimes are reported almost every week. In addition, lawmakers are concerned about the spreading of Avian flu from the worldwide trade of fighting birds. The new legislation ensures up to three years of jail time for any interstate or foreign transport of animals for fighting purposes. The bill also makes it a crime to transport cockfighting weapons (razor-sharp knives and ice pick-like gaff’s to attach to the bird’s legs). Currently, dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states and cockfighting is illegal in 49 states, excluding Louisiana.
Dogs and cats are often stolen in order to be used for training to teach dogs to fight. According to Stephanie LaFarge, Ph. D., Senior Director, ASPCA Counseling Services, owners of fighting dogs “represent a range of personality types and psychological disorders. School life offers them little fulfillment and humiliates them into doing socially unacceptable things in an environment where beating the system is the goal.” Officer Mark MacDonald, ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, added “Self esteem is an important issue with this population. [Animal] fighting gives them the respect and power that they do not have in other areas of their lives. Many fighters come from non-responsive homes and communities with limited social or economic opportunity. They never acquire the tools to excel. With dog fighting, they are accepted, especially if they have a winning dog.” If their dog is a winner, so are they.
Not all dog fighters are disadvantaged economically. People involved come from every community and background. Licensed veterinarians provide care for fighting dogs and audiences include lawyers, judges, and teachers. Society needs to take a good look at the social structure of dog fighting. Participants need to seek other means for positive, life-affirming opportunities. Input from experts in gangs, drug abuse, poverty, education, law enforcement and psychology is necessary in order to comprehend and combat dog fighting at each level.
Featured pet: Malinda
Breed: Labrador Retriever Mix
Size: Medium
Age: Young
Gender: Female
ID: 1482742
I’m Malinda. I’m a little shy … and ohhhh, so friendly. I love to be by your side and just stand or sit and be loved. I’m a love. Please adopt me. Call the Terre Haute Humane Society at (812) 232-0293.
Valley Life
Paw Prints: Congress passes legislation to help end dog and cock fighting
- Valley Life
-
-
Turning wrenches: If something’s broken, Joe Preston fixes it
Vintage photos of race cars — of the compact “midget” style — hang on the wall inside Joe Preston’s garage.
-
Birthday: May 27, 2012
Shirley Ann Kaperak of Terre Haute will observe her 80th birthday Monday.
An open house is scheduled 2 to 5 p.m. June 24 in the home of her daughter at 6971 E. Rosehill Ave., in Terre Haute.
-
Valley Life: May 27, 2012
• Terre Haute Children’s Museum to host volunteer orientation session
• DNR promotes child’s right to play outside
• Vigo County teen finalist in state pageant
• Sap-sucking bugs damaging state tree
-
WEDDING: May 27, 2012
• Ummel-McMichael
-
Tried ‘N’ True: Try this crock pot stew for busy days
We are getting busy with outside work, cleaning yards and planting our gardens, picking berries and also hunting mushrooms. I can’t go out anymore. But I hope you all have found a bunch. This recipe is an easy one to fix. Get your slow cookers out and have a great meal when you are tired. Everyone will think you are full of energy.
-
ENGAGEMENTS: May 27, 2012
• Majors-Seneviratne
• Sheppard-York
• Cawley-Archer
-
GRAPE SENSE: The story behind the consistent, easy to appreciate 7 Deadly Zins
The story behind one of the best tasting and most successful value wines has good winemaking, gratitude to terrible sweet wine, and a long family history of fruit production to credit for its success.
-
PAW PRINTS: Don’t take a chance with you pet and heat
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has made recommendations for your pet during the summer heat. Don’t take a chance with your dog or cat. They, too, can suffer from overheating, dehydration, and sunburn.
-
Bridge Column: May 27, 2012
The Bridge Club is happy to welcome Linda and Richard Easton back from Florida.
-
ANNIVERSARIES: May 27, 2012
• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Edwards
• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cooper
• Mr. and Mrs. Earl R. McMullen
-
The sky’s the limit
Backyard astronomers stare at the night sky, trying to remember how to find the North Star, the Big Dipper and Mars.
-
TRIED ’N’ TRUE: Whip up a rhubarb surprise cake
This recipe comes from Ruth Baker. She sent a lot of rhubarb recipes. I have been putting them in the paper for the last three years. I’ve almost used most of them. Some I have used more than others. Mary Hunter also had this recipe. I have made this a lot. Gene really likes this. I use sweetener and yellow or white sugar-free cake mix. The only sugar I put in this recipe is in the marshmallows. Adjust for this. Our grandkids also enjoy this cake. Thanks to Ruth and Mary.
-
Resource helps with child care search
Hoosier families now have a digital tool to assess child care facilities for quality, safety and other benchmarks, and can take virtual tours of select facilities. Child Care Online is a free Internet search tool designed so consumers can easily and conveniently compare child care programs and can identify a range of high-quality care choices.
-
PAW PRINTS: Heatstroke can harm, kill pets
Spring and summer temperatures in the Midwest often reach into the high 80s and 90s. Some people wouldn’t consider sitting out in the heat until the sun went down.
- GROUPS AND GATHERINGS: May 20, 2012
- ANNIVERSARY: May 20, 2012
- VALLEY DATEBOOK: May 20, 2012
-
Ferguson land gift strikes conservation note
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently accepted what is believed to be one of the largest private land conservation gifts in state history — 1,500 acres of the Ferguson farm near Springville in Lawrence County.
-
Chi Omega chapters raise $7,600 for Make-A-Wish
The Chi Omega chapters at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University raised $7,600 for Make-A-Wish, which will help grant the wish of a 6-year-old girl named Sandy.
- WEDDING: May 20, 2012
-
BRIDGE: May 20, 2012
The Terre Haute Bridge Club is fortunate to have a successful Monday Evening Fun Bridge game with at least six tables, and one couple has decided to stretch their game to include other games throughout the week.
-
Vermillion Mega Park open for Memorial Day visitors
In observance of Memorial Day, Vermillion Rise Mega Park, with the assistance of the Vermillion County Sherriff’s Department, will accommodate cemetery visits between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. May 26 through May 28
- ENGAGEMENTS: May 20, 2012
-
YOUR GREEN VALLEY: Oil in your backyard: Track where new wells are planned
The Indiana Division of Oil and Gas well records show there are 72 existing oil wells in Vigo County.
-
Summer Sidewalk Sale set
Marshall Main Street’s Downtown Summer Sidewalk Sale is planned from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9.
-
Mother's Day stories: Amazing, Loving, Patient, Faithful, Friend, Brave
It’s merely one word, yet the conjunction of those six letters conjures up so many meanings and feelings. While teaching us both the simple and profound lessons in life, mothers somehow can instill morals and memories. They can guide us on our journey, pick us up when we fall, and let go when we must find our own strength.
-
VALLEY LIFE BRIEFLY: May 13, 2012
Senior Citizens Picnic scheduled at Forest Park
New group offers support to moms
Edgar Extension to host edible centerpiece workshop
Style show features Wabash Valley celebrities
-
PAW PRINTS: Kitten-proof the home before bringing pet home
It’s kitten season at the Terre Haute Humane Society. Come and take a look at all the many colors currently living at the shelter. Fall in love with the adorable babies, and take advantage of the sibling discount and adopt two. Kittens are so much fun. They’re inquisitive, playful and loving.
-
TRIED ‘N’ TRUE: Rhubarb, strawberries, cherries ready at same time
With rhubarb, strawberries and cherries being about ready at the same time, this recipe is so easy.
-
GRAPE SENSE: Finding a 100 percent Carignan will be worth the effort
It’s a long path from Louisville, Ky., to Saint-Jean-de-Minervois in Southern France. But that’s the journey Brown University graduate John Bojanowski took in transformation from literature major to Languedoc winery owner.
- More Valley Life Headlines
-
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Romney Campaigns Ahead of Claiming Nomination
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Obama Honors Fallen Troops at Arlington Cemetery
Man in Crane at Texas College Says He's Armed
Obama Honors Medal of Freedom Recipients
Raw Video: Deadly Explosion at Minn. Paper Mill
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
White House: No Military Intervention in Syria
Police Probe Similarities in 2 Disappearances
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Panetta: Asia the 'Project' for New Navy Grads
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Romney Promises World's Strongest Military
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
