Pet Safety

Please be aware that some of the pictures below are graphic and may not be suitable for children...

FREE TO GOOD HOME

The Fate of Many Free and Lost Pets Revealed

Free and lost or stolen dogs could end up in the hands of dogfighters, or even Class B dealers, who sell dogs from random sources to research institutions for use in biomedical research, testing and education procedures. Beloved family pets can become unfortunate victims of butchers, who have been known to acquire dogs through lost, stray and "free to a good home" ads—even to take pets from their owners' backyards.

Dog Baiting

There are people out there who are looking for lost or free animals to use for training fighting dogs.  If they can not find or adopt one, then they will steal one.  They will take your pet and tie it to a short stake and then will let their dogs attack it for practice.  This process is called baiting and though it is illegal in many states, it has become a popular and profitable sport.

Most dogs that are used as bait do not survive and the ones that do usually require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.

Ways to Protect Your Pet

To protect your pet from being stolen, Last Chance for Animals, a national animal rights organization, suggests the following:

• Keep pets indoors, especially when you're not at home.

• Do not leave animals unattended in the yard. It only takes a minute for thieves to steal your pet.

• Outdoor pets should be kept in a fenced yard with a padlocked gate. Make sure your dog cannot easily be seen from the street.

• Do not leave your companion animal outside of a store to wait for you.

• Never leave an animal unattended in a car.

• Use microchip IDs if possible, and keep current identification tags on your pet.

• Be aware of strangers in the neighborhood. Report suspicious activities or missing pets to the police or animal control authorities.

Georgia is rated in the top 5 states in the United States for dog fighting.

48 states have a very strong anti-dog fighting law. Georgia does not. Last year bill 229 died when David Ralston didn't get it out of committee in the House of Representatives. The bill had already passed the Senate. Chip Rogers plans to make the new anti-dog fighting bill his priority for the 2007 legislative session. The bill will be named and numbered this December. Contact your representatives now so they will be ready to support the bill.

Find your Rep Click Here

Articles about baiting

An Underground Epidemic

Contrary to Ordinary

History of Fighting Dogs

Hog Dog Fighting

DOB in a Dogfight

Family Pets Stolen

If you would like more information on how you can make a difference, how to protect your pet, or if you have comments about our site please fill out the form below.  Thank you!