Help End Dogfighting Your action can save lives With the dramatic increase in awareness of the heinous world of dogfighting, highlighted by the recent indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on federal charges relating to this cruel and bloody “sport,” the Michigan Humane Society asks for your help to stop dogfighting in its tracks:   Know Michigan’s Anti-Cruelty Laws     Report Dogfighting and Acts of Animal Cruelty     Learn More About Animal Cruelty    Donate Now     In January,2009, based on countless hours of exhausting investigative work, MHS cruelty investigators and Detroit Police officers teamed up in an investigation with one major goal - to bring an end to a series of brutal dog fights. During the course of this investigation 17 pit bull adults and puppies, all in poor or severe medical condition, were rescued.  Additionally, nine individuals were arrested and a score of dog fighting related paperwork, training equipment and trophies were seized.  Among those arrested was habitual dog fighter Marlon Anthony Rogers.  However, there was something different about this arrest - MHS Animal Cops had new help in the form of the recently developed Animal Protection Unit (APU) of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. On July 9, 2009, MHS cruelty investigators and APU officials were present in the courtroom as Rogers was sentenced to two to eight years in prison for his involvement in the dog fighting network in southeast Michigan - making him the first dog fighter in this area to be sentenced to prison, rather than just county jail, for charges solely related to dog fighting.  This sentence is one of the toughest to ever be handed down in Michigan - and even exceeds the prison time given to Michael Vick for his involvement in the underground world of dog fighting. The case is a tremendous victory for the Michigan Humane Society, the communities we serve and most of all the true victims of this horrific crime - our beloved dogs!  And this is just one victory for Detroit's famed “Animal Cops," who last year investigated 5,294 cases of cruelty and neglect in the Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park areas. But we cannot do it without you. Please join MHS in utilizing this case to send a message to all dog fighters and anyone who abuses animals in our communities - your barbaric and inhumane behavior will not be tolerated.

Link Between Animal Abuse & Domestic Violence It has been well established that a strong link exists between violence toward animals and domestic violence.  By reporting and not tolerating animal abuse, and by intervening/ seeking help immediately if you witness children harming animals, you could be preventing future violence.  Help break the cycle!   You can help MHS fight dog fighters in two ways: Donate - MHS receives no government funding, is not a United Way agency, and is not affiliated with any national humane organizations. MHS cruelty investigators can only continue making a difference for cruelly abused and neglected animals in our communities with your support. >>>  Register to walk at MHS' annual Mega March for Animals or the Mutt March. By joining MHS at the Mega March for Animals, you will serve as a crusader against animal abuse and  a protector of animals.  Help make our communities safer for all residents - humans and animals alike. >>>