Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Dogfighting

Dogfighting, staged contests between dogs specifically bred and trained to fight, has been in the news a lot lately.

Contrary to what you might think, dogfighting is not confined to rural areas of Southern states. Randy Grimm, the executive director of Stray Rescue of St. Louis, says that dog fights — organized and impromptu versions — happen in St. Louis, too.

Relatively few people are unmoved by the cruelty and violence of dogfighting. Most of us abhor the brutality. Yet, dogfighting, which is a felony in Missouri, flourishes because the organizers of the fights do a pretty good job staying out of general public sight and away from police patrols.

But, you really can’t hide much in a City neighborhood from the people who live there.

If you suspect that dog fights are being staged on your block, call the police. They will respond and investigate.

Other entries here about dogs in St. Louis have drawn your interest — and response. I hope that is also the case with this one.