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Amazon.com- Profits from Animal Fighting

February 11, 2007 : 12:00 AM

by Randi Bildner

Many years ago I walked into a local pet shop in NYC. I glanced into a glass case that contained books available for purchase. The first thing that caught my eye was a book promoting dog fighting. Appalled, I questioned the retailer about selling this kind of material; his response was, "There is a large market for this stuff." This happened 10 years ago and bothers me to this day.

At the time I was uninformed about many of the atrocities that I now know all too well. Still the statement, "There is a large market for this stuff." was and is very unsettling, making me wonder: “Who are the people who make up this demographic?” I reduced the intensity of the retailer’s comment (in my mind) by telling myself, “This is a very small pet store, books like these would never be sold on a large scale.”

I was dead wrong.

Amazon.com the largest online retailer of books, magazines and other informational material is being sued for carrying such items.

On Feb. 8, 2007, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sued Amazon.com and several publishers and distributors (The Underground Pitbull Breeders Association, StreetHeatDVD.com, and the publishers of The Gamecock and The Feathered Warrior), based on their sales of animal fighting videos and magazines on Amazon.com.
The HSUS has repeatedly asked Amazon.com to drop from its sales four items that depict and promote cruel dogfighting and cockfighting events which are in violation of federal law.

• Unleashed: The Realest Pitbull Action Caught on Tape, a DVD depicting illegal dogfighting
• Hood Fights Vol. 2, The Art of the Pit, a DVD depicting illegal dogfighting
• The Gamecock, a magazine promoting illegal cockfighting
• The Feathered Warrior, a magazine promoting illegal cockfighting

While it is good news that action has been taken to remove items promoting these heinous crimes, it makes one wonder; how prevalent is this activity in mainstream society?

It is one thing to imagine those who participate in such unconscionable events getting their information "on the street" or through an underground source. The realization that there are people simply clicking away, adding this vile material to their "shopping cart" just as easily as you and I fill ours with the latest John Grisham novel, is incomprehensible.

We tend to think that those involved in blood sports are not people which most of us encounter on a daily basis. The magnitude of the demand for material of this nature in a mainstream arena, such as Amazon.com, makes one wonder. Who are these people? Could activities like these be more common with “the people next door” than we are aware?

A case-in-point came when the shocking news that a veteran firefighter was caught for running a dog fighting ring. This was reported on June 1, 2006 by Lori Caldwell of The Indiana Post-Tribune.

Pit Bulls Bred for Fighting Are Seized from Firefighter's Home
http://network.bestfriends.org/thepitstop/news/4514.html
Update to article
http://network.bestfriends.org/thepitstop/news/4486.html

It was reported that the dogs' owner was a seven-year veteran of the Gary Fire Department. Animal control director, Matt Lubarski, said, "The dogs have been conditioned to be very aggressive toward other animals. I don't think we will be able to place most of them." The article contains additional disturbing information: “The police seized the dogs and discovered many carcasses, fighting gear and paperwork showing workout schedules and plans for 'game day.'"

The timing of HSUS case is fortuitous coming right on the heels of New Mexico’s fight to ban cockfighting.

A story appearing on Best Friends New Mexico site states:
Cockfighting appears to be on its last legs in New Mexico (One of only two states in the US where it is legal.) Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat running for president, has come out strongly in favor of a ban on cockfighting. http://network.bestfriends.org/newmexico/news/12183.html

Best Friends Animal Law Coalition reports: The bill introduced by Sen. Mary Jane Garcia (D-Dona Ana-36th), has been approved by the Senate Conservation Committee by a 5-3 vote. A vote by the full Senate could come any time. For the entire story including a list of names to contact go to http://network.bestfriends.org/animallawcoalition/news/12242.html. 

Amazon.com is the sole retailer of subscriptions for animal fighting magazines. The majority of these magazines are filled with advertisements to promote animal fighting along with solicitations to participate in criminal activity.

During filming the infamous dogfighting DVD, Unleashed, approximately 20 dogs were wounded, tortured or killed.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon's sale of the DVD violates a federal law that makes it a crime to create, possess or sell a depiction of animal cruelty for financial gain.

Amazon.com has recently pledged to stop selling the dogfighting DVDs, but the company has made this promise before and later resumed selling the materials.

Cockfighting and dogfighting are cruelty to animals and should not be legally promoted. It is inconceivable and that a company, such as Amazon, is perpetuating these crimes by offering these materials for sale.

Amazon won’t drop cockfighting magazines

Reply from Amazon
The Associated Press reports - the online retailer says it won’t commit censorship. Amazon.com says it will keep selling two magazines about cockfighting, despite a lawsuit by the Humane Society of the United States accusing the company of illegally promoting animal fighting.

for the entire msnbc report go to
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17049201/from/ET/

As of 2/11/07 the magazines Gamecock and the Feathered Warrior were still available for purchase through Amazon.com

To view a forum on amazon.com where consumers tag products for animal cruelty go to:http://www.amazon.com/tag/animal%20cruelty/ref=tag_dp_ct_s/
Gamecock Magazine is currently on this list

Unleashed: The Realest Pit bull Action Caught on Tape, a DVD depicting illegal dog fighting; is currently being offered for sale on ebay as well as other websites including those listed below; the purchase price ranges from $12.99-$19.99

http://www.urbanmythdvd.com

http://cgi.ebay.com/UNLEASHED-THE-REALEST-PITBULL-ACTION-CAUGHT-ON-TAPE_W0QQitemZ230070283078QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.blackstarvideo.com/

http://gangstadvd.com

How you can help:Please email or call Amazon.com (206-266-1000) and ask them to stop selling all materials promoting illegal activities.

The lawsuit is being filed by the Animal Protection Litigation section of The HSUS, with the pro bono assistance of the Washington, D.C. law firm of Ross, Dixon & Bell, LLP.

(article includes excerpts from HSUS newsletter)

Comments

February 18, 2007 at 1:41 PM
posted by: christycrabtree

Ever since I stopped ordering from Amazon I've ordered from Barnes and Noble and they've been great! Same great deals, same speedy service!

February 18, 2007 at 12:44 PM
posted by: pitbull

Okay, I too am going to need to have a substitute place to go now that I will no longer be ordering from Amazon.com. Has anyone else used the e-bay half.com site? Are there any others out there? I think that would be helpful information to have when we forward this story to our friends and families!

And when you forward the story to your friends and families, be sure to send a copy of your letter to Amazon.com with a note that tells them how many people you sent it to! (but don't let them see the e-mail addresses of the people you sent it to. Last thing we need is to provide them with a marketing list!)

February 16, 2007 at 11:52 AM
posted by: ratmom

I use ebay's half.com for good book prices. Are they okay?

February 15, 2007 at 5:20 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

I emailed Amazon that I am boycotting them, and have cancelled my Amazon Visa card. No reply.

February 14, 2007 at 7:26 AM
posted by: kendra

"Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell certain titles because we believe their message is objectionable. Therefore, we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States
and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law. "

Yeah, I agree, colleenamareena. I was also under the imporession that selling items depicting animal abuse, torture, or cruelty for profit was illegal under the Animal Welfare Act. At least, that's what I understood from the HSUS website regarding the Amazon lawsuit.
And even if it's not illegal in other countries, it is in the US, and I'm pretty sure that Amazon is a US-based company. They don't sell other items that are controversial but legal in other countries. I mean, I've never happened upon a snuff film or anything on Amazon... (I've never looked for one, nor will I, especially not at work...)
It's not censorship. It's just protecting those who can't protect themselves...

February 13, 2007 at 8:09 PM
posted by: colleenamareena

It's interesting that Amazon's reply states that
"Therefore, we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law." The things depicted in these items ARE prohibited by law! I recommend sending a second email letting them know that--I certainly will be.

February 13, 2007 at 5:12 PM
posted by: cattees

I searched B&N's website and found nothing under the titles Unleashed or Gamecock. There were DVD called Cat Fights and Ghetto Fights - but none featured furry critters, unless of course the cover image is a front for something else.

There was also a DVDs called Critter Gitters - Attack of the Pit Bull, but "people who bought this also bought March of the Penguins, Blue Planet - Seas of Life, Baby Noah: Animal Expedition and Baby McDonald: A Day on the Farm." I would hope that kids and ostrich featured in the cover image gives it a G rating.

February 13, 2007 at 4:46 PM
posted by: christycrabtree

How funny - I guess that is the automatic reply they give to everyone! I emailed them as well and got the same automatic reply!! So hopefully that means they are being bombarded w/ emails about this horrible situation. I have already canceled my account as have my family and friends. Unfortunately, sometimes only money can make a point...how sad....on the bright side...I checked w/ Barnes and Noble and they have the same great deal that Amazon had - over $25 on certain items is free shipping so I have now signed up w/ them (they don't sell that type of stuff do they??? let me know if they do!)

February 13, 2007 at 2:53 PM
posted by: cattees

What a bunch of crap.

February 13, 2007 at 1:21 PM
posted by: bullydog

Thanks, ratmom. I think that letter is a blanket cop-out. These companies are completely gutless and totally without a moral compass.

February 13, 2007 at 12:37 PM
posted by: ratmom

I emailed amazon.com about their selling these products and got an email from them which I have pasted below, in full:

"As a retailer, our goal is to provide customers with the broadest selection possible so they can find, discover, and buy any item they might be seeking. That selection includes some items which many
people may find objectionable. Therefore, the items offered on our web site represent a wide spectrum of opinions on a variety of topics.

Amazon.com believes it is censorship not to sell certain titles because we believe their message is objectionable. Therefore, we will continue to make controversial works available in the United States
and everywhere else, except where they are prohibited by law. We also allow readers, authors, and publishers to express their views freely
about these titles and other products we offer on our web site.

However, Amazon.com does not endorse any opinions expressed by individual authors, musical artists, or filmmakers.

We value all feedback from our customers, and thank you again for taking the time to send us your comments about this issue. We hope you will allow us to continue to serve you."

February 13, 2007 at 12:24 PM
posted by: jonij

I am forwarding this story to friends and family. Hopefully, all the small sales they lose will add up to a big chunk in their profits. It's very disheartening to see big companies care more about their profits than the suffering of innocent creatures.

Thanx for posting this story.

Joni

February 13, 2007 at 12:09 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

thank you for that link, Michelle.

February 13, 2007 at 9:49 AM
posted by: michelle

Here is a link that has a lot of contact info for Amazon on it.
http://clicheideas.com/amazon.htm

February 13, 2007 at 9:36 AM
posted by: lmiller

I bought from Amazon, but where on their website fo you go to let them know you are displeased or is it easier to call

February 12, 2007 at 4:25 PM
posted by: rmlamasney25

Amazon, I will not purchase another thing until these materials are removed. And I'm cancelling my Amazon credit card. I will not spend my $$ with a retailer who traffics in animal cruelty/murder.

February 12, 2007 at 3:24 PM
posted by: bullydog

Amazon can certainly count me out as any form of customer from here on out.

I don't believe the laws governing censorship ought to apply when living beings are mutilated and killed in the name of entertainment. I'm sure Amazon wouldn't heartily condone human mutilation or killing books. Those certainly exist. We could argue censorship over those, too. Both human and animal cruelty are illegal.

It's also disturbing that Amazon is supporting gansta culture by selling these items. These are nothing more than organized crime (drug and prostitution) empires. What's the difference between driving into one of these areas and getting something on the streets or ordering it online?

February 12, 2007 at 3:14 PM
posted by: Kendra

This is sick. All I can even think is that I'm glad I haven't preordered my copy of Harry Potter 7 from Amazon.com yet. I think I'll be taking my business somewhere else.

I read on another article that Amazon.com wouldn't remove the material because they claimed it was "censorship," but I really don't understand how these products are any different from a book, DVD, or magazine that teaches people who to cook and sell crystal meth, make bombs and plant them in public places, or succesfully kidnap, rape, and murder somebody without getting caught. They're all crimes, and they're ALL things that are bad for society. Animal cruelty is no different, and it's usually practice by the exact same people who do the others horrible actions I mentioned above.

I'm disappointed and disgusted by Amazon.com. Even if they do pull the products, I don't know if I will ever shop there again without feeling sick.

February 12, 2007 at 2:58 PM
posted by: zuzu4

I buy from Amazon.com. I am horrified. I have sent them an email telling them I will boycott them until they do the right thing and remove this material from their site. I am also cross posting this article to everyone I know. Thanks for the info and links. Keep fighting the good fight.

February 12, 2007 at 10:46 AM
posted by: kellio

How absolutely horrible. I live on Amazon, and probably buy way too many books and DVDs there anyway, but now instead of giving them more of my money, I'll be contacting them to let them know how disgusted I am by their decision to sell this crap. The people who write books and make videos on animal fighting (unless against it) should face the same penalties--or worse, than those who are caught doing it.

February 12, 2007 at 10:27 AM
posted by: Little_Missy

I am so impressed with the subjects that Randi writes about and her style of writing. Thanks for the important information- I will be contacting Amazon and passing the word on.

February 12, 2007 at 9:06 AM
posted by: yvette

how disgusting! !and disturbing!!
oh well, i won't be shopping at amazon anymore.

February 12, 2007 at 7:46 AM
posted by: bogiedew

I sent them mail but never heard back from them..another member did hear back from them. This is a shame..I cant remember the last time I bought a book or CD anywhere else other than Amazon..oh well..wont hurt me to go to Barnes and Noble either.

February 11, 2007 at 11:11 PM
posted by: marla

Thank you so much Randi for letting us know about Amazon I will definately let them know why I will not be buying through them.

February 11, 2007 at 5:27 PM
posted by: cattees

Good-bye Amazon - hello Barnes & Noble!

February 11, 2007 at 5:14 PM
posted by: thedoggirl

Thank you Randi, for bringing amazon.com's profit from animal cruelty to light! I wrote to the CEO of amazon.com a year ago regarding their peddling of this vile garbage, and received the same standard response! Still, if enough people apply enough pressure, we WILL persevere.