Category Archives: 2007-2015 Archive

8-State Simultaneous Dogfighting Sting; 450 Dogs Seized

Middle Class Crime UPDATE 07/11/09: As noted in comments, dogfighting is organized crime -- gambling and racketeering -- primarily carried out by middle class citizens. Participants are often valued members of the community as well. The recent Associated Press article names a registered nurse, Cris Bottcher, and a physical education teacher, Rick Hihath, as part of those arrested this past week. Both are charged with felony dogfighting crimes that occurred at Bottche… [Read full blog post]

Report: U.S. Dog Bite Fatalities January 2006 to December 2008

Seattle, WA - On April 22, 2009, DogsBite.org, a national dog bite victims' group dedicated to reducing serious dog attacks by creating common sense laws, releases its first multi-year report on U.S. dog bite fatalities. The report covers a 3-year period -- from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2008 -- and analyzes data gathered from 88 dog bite incidences that caused death to a U.S. citizen. The report documents dog breed information, property information (where the attack… [Read full blog post]

Anti-BSL Group, American Canine Foundation, Testified for Seller of Dogfighting Videos

Robert Stevens, Dr. I. Lehr Brisbin and Glen Bui of the American Canine Foundation. Robert J. Stevens Washington D.C. - On March 20, 2009, the defense team of Robert J. Stevens filed a Brief in Opposition for the pending United States Supreme Court's hearing of his case. In January 2005, Stevens was the first person found guilty of selling depictions of animal cruelty (dogfighting videos) under the 1999 federal animal cruelty law. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison. He ap… [Read full blog post]

Ecuador Joins International Trend: Bans Pit Bulls and Rottweilers as Pets

Mixed Breeds Included Ecuador - The country of Ecuador is set to ban rottweilers and pit bull terriers as pets, Quito-based newspaper El Comercio reported, citing the health and agriculture ministries. The new rule, which also includes dogs interbred with the two types, will go into effect in March. Care of dogs used by police and private security companies will also be regulated. The ban was announced after a child in Quito was killed by two pit bulls four months ago. Ecuador… [Read full blog post]