Obviously there won't be anyone here that's going to argue in support of dog fighting. I'm wondering if anyone can explain the mindset of these type of people?

Is this a southern thing? Is it a racial thing? Is it a spoiled professional athlete thing? What makes people think fighting dogs could in any way be acceptable. I remember when rumors concerning Michael Vick and big time dog fighting first came out, that Clinton Portis, another NFL player, implied that it was really no one's business whether Michael Vick was fighting dogs, because he was a role model that contributed to the community. He basically was stating why would anyone care.

I have heard rumors on talk radio that other athletes could be involved. I heard comments today that Vick allegedly has been involved personally even with the hanging, electrocution, and/or drowning of losing or injured dogs.

It's mind blowing. This guy has millions of dollars, a legion of fans, and is under the public microscope. Yet he feels that fighting dogs is a worthwhile past time.

Here's an article.

Kevin

The Romans had bull baiting, human fights to the death and other atrocities.

It is a shame, but some folks are simp[ly excited by terrible things.

The people who are getting their kicks out of doing this are not only sick, they are mentally and spiritually bankrupt. Each time a terrible act is done to an animal, the damage to the spirit is unmeasurable. Over time, one sinks so low, rebounding to a positive way of living is nearly impossible.

True other populations present and past have found enjoyment in watching torture, but this does not make it right. In order for each of us to have peace, we must make it. Engaging in such heinous acts is inhuman.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a member of any type of animal rights group, as a matter of fact, I deplore them and their tactics, mainly because they refuse to address this issue. PETA would rather chastise people who eat honey (because it disturbs the bees) than get involved with a serious subject like this.

SG

Entire towns used to celebrate and picnic at hangings.

Bullfighting to the death still goes on today in Mexico and Spain.

It is hoped that we might learn that these "blood sports" are sick and disgusting as the centuries pass.

We had a NBA player here caught with fighting dogs. I believe that there should be zero tolerance for drugs and dog fighting within professional sports.

CAUTION: some photos may be difficult to take. But they are brief, and the video is a great educational tool.

As horrible as dog fighting is, there is enough money involved that an unscrupulous person might adopt one of these dogs, under the pretense of trying to rehabilitate it or give it a loving home. And sometime later turn around and sell it [for a profit] to a dog fighting ring.

The nation is flooded with pit bulls and pit bull mixes/types. Our local animal control reported recently that 40% of the dogs going through their doors are pit bulls or pit bull mixes/types. They do not automatically euthanize here though.

Dogfighting has been going on for hundreds of years but this fad that every young tough man needs a scary dog is relatively new. I think a large percentage of them must also be involved with drugs. Using the dogs to scare rivals or protect their cash.

Dog popularity does go in cycles and German Shepards and Rottweilers and Dobermans also have been popular and have had major problems with the media but the pit bull situation is far worse.

My friends completely sweet, dog, kid and cat safe but big and scary looking American Staffordshire Terrier was stolen from their backyard. Then dumped when it was discovered he was not aggressive in any way. (the perps were caught, he didn't just wander off) So lucky he wasn't used for bait but it was just some punk who wasn't really a big time criminal or dog fighter who took him.

The Humane Societ of the United States is a national organization that has made dogfighting one it's priorities. The group, lead by Wayne Pacell, has had a strong presence in the south re: efforts to enact legislation in southern states and was widely quoted re: the Mike Vick case here in Atlanta newspapers. If you are interested in learning about the issue of dogfighting and efforts that this group is involved in, as well as how you can get involved, go to their website: hsus.org.

PETA has also had involvement in dogfighting. They have conducted undercover investigations that have lead to legal action and changes in laws. PETA has had many successes working with corporations, government, and individuals to help raise awareness and advocate for laws that are not cruel to animals. For example, several juice companies (including Welch's)recently agreed to stop experiments on animals. PETA is a wonderful organization that has made a profound impact on animal welfare. It is true that there are those who focus on some of PETA's "wild tactics" to get attention or some of the issues that relate to vegan lifestyle, meaning awareness of exploitation of all animals, including bees, but busting down the honey bee business has not been a focus of work for PETA, if at all. If you have not really familiarized yourself with all PETA does do, visit their webstie at PETA.org.

Each outfit has good points and bad points. The problem is with the people in the organizations---they are the problem---or the solution.

While working against dog fighting is totally admirable most of their goals are extreme.

No pets, no milk, no meat, no leather, no honey, no fishing, no aquariums, no zoos, no riding horses, no uses of animals by man in any way. Death is better than enslavement.

Bull.

Bull.

I agree. I also agree with handymac. As much of a 2nd ammendment advocate as I am, I refuse to have anything to do with the NRA because of its extreme views. Some times, extreme views are needed, though, to counter extreme views from others to the opposite extreme. The name Sarah Brady comes to mind.

Much as I hate to admit it, PETA HAS done some good. But for the most part, as buyorsell888 said, their views are crackpot, to say the least.