Humanity's cruelty to pit bulls in Guyana, South America

August 29, 2007

Dear Editor:

Humanity’s Cruelty to Pit Bulls

In the aftermath of every publicized animal cruelty, an argument inevitably arises that I will just never understand. It’s the “they’re only animals, so why should we give a damn?” argument. It’s not surprising, if disturbing, that some people don’t think animal abuse merits any level of attention.

An NFL star has pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and admitted to taking part in methods of hanging, drowning, electrocution, beating and shooting of pit bulls that did not perform well in a dog fighting ring.

The business is a brutal blood sport in which dogs, usually pit bulls are bred and conditioned to viciously fight each other to the brink of death, so that people can wager on the outcome. More shocking, is the apparent popularity of this type of savagery and the large sums of money involved not only in purchasing and training the dogs but in gambling on their performance.

An investigation further revealed that these dogs are fed with gun powder and steroids and were mercilessly abused until their natural survival instincts transformed them into ferocious fighting dogs.
It is estimated that “tens of thousands” of people in both remote rural areas and inner cities are actively involved in this illicit and sadistic pastime and this includes Guyana. Dog fighting is illegal in North America. There are severe consequences for animal abusers who break the law including heavy fines and imprisonment such as this NFL star that faces 5 years in prison.

There exists a culture in Guyana that engages in underground dog fighting using pit bulls to mutilate each other by methods of painful aggression to train the dogs to become killers. While cheering crowds to sinfully earn a fast dollar, show no mercy for this blood sport so horrible so sinful so cruel using the lives of innocent voiceless dogs that constantly bear open wounds and immense pain.

I plead to the Guyana Government to pass an Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act to include all criminal acts against animal abusers. Since we are a developing country, should this not be on your mandate. Tourists will not tolerate a country that does not take care of their animals if you don’t prosecute animal abusers.

Sincerely

Zenobia Williams
Animal Advocate