Best Friends provides additional public education and officer training

By Cheri Moon, Best Friends staff

Before 2008, only one person had been incarcerated for dog fighting in Georgia. Considering the state had one of the weakest dog-fighting laws in the nation, that's no compliment.

But since a new and tougher dog fighting law was passed in May 2008, multiple arrests have been made, with more on the horizon.

Most Recent Arrest in Floyd County
Dominique Ladell Porter of Floyd County, GA is the most recent criminal to add his name to the growing roster of dog fighting arrests. Porter has been charged with six felony counts of dog fighting and six misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Animal control inspected Porter's property after they were alerted to the situation by an investigator for the Humane Society. Officers confiscated six American pit bull terriers in late December because the dogs were emaciated, in very poor health and exhibited scarring and injuries consistent with dogs that have been used for fighting. Animal control then contacted the Floyd county police department who investigated the case and found sufficient evidence to make an arrest.

Law Targets Dog-Fighting Lifestyle
Georgia's new dog fighting law makes it a felony to train, transport, sell or own a fighting dog, or to advertise, promote or bet on fights. A first conviction means one to five years in prison, a fine of at least $5,000, or both. The law also makes attending a dog fight a high and aggravated misdemeanor on the first offense, a felony on subsequent ones.

These new standards make Georgia a role model in the plight against organized dog-fighting. In addition to stricter consequences, a key component of the new law is that it targets the people whose lifestyles often include organizing or attending dog fights.

Best Friends worked closely with State Senator Chip Rogers since 2004 to see this law enacted. The team wanted the law to target not only fighting-dog owners, but anyone who participated in any aspect of dog fighting.

Best Friends worked diligently to garner the support of Georgia residents for the new and tougher law. The "End GA Dog Fighting Campaign" utilized petitions, member messages and even a <a href=" http://network.bestfriends.org/georgiadogfightingbill/news/21195.html"; target="_blank">PSA featuring Willie Nelson</a> to educate the public about dog fighting and the need for tougher laws.

Continuing Public Education and Officer Training
Says Best Friends employee Nikki Sharp, "Even though we worked tirelessly to see this bill come to fruition, our work is far from over. You can't just pass a law, then step away from it."

Best Friends continues to support Georgia's new law through education campaigns that inform residents about the law and it's more stringent penalties. In addition, Best Friends is training judges, prosecutors and enforcement officers on how to effectively implement the law.

The Humane Society of the United States is aiding in the crack down of dog fighting across the nation by offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in animal fighting.

Unknown Future For GA Confiscated Dogs
The six dogs taken from the Porter property are being held at Floyd county animal control and have received treatment for their wounds and health problems. The future for these dogs is yet to be determined by local officials.

Says Sharp, "Because of dog fighting, people have a negative image of pit bulls. Pit bulls and bully breeds are filling shelters across the nation—where most of them are euthanized. That needs to stop." She adds, "Cracking down on dog fighting is a vital step in saving thousands of innocent dogs."

You Can Make A Difference!
You can help end breed discrimination by aiding in the battle against dog fighting.

Report dog fighting or your suspicions to the Humane Society of the United States’ toll-free tip line at 877-847-4787.

Keep your community safe with <a href=" http://network.bestfriends.org/georgiadogfightingbill/news/27602.html"; target="_blank">10 things to do if you suspect dog fighting</a>.

Join the Best Friends Network and visit the <a href=" http://network.bestfriends.org/stopbsl/news"; target="_blank">Stop Breed Specific Legislation</a> and <a href=" http://network.bestfriends.org/georgiadogfightingbill/news/"; target="_blank">End Georgia Dog Fighting campaigns</a>.

photo of friendly pit bull type dog, not affiliated with the case by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer

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