THE BRUTAL WORLD OF DOG FIGHTING IS
UNCOVERED
IN PREMIERE OF ANIMAL PLANET INVESTIGATES
- Dog Fighting Rings are Exposed in new Tell-All Documentary on January
25 -
(Silver Spring, MD, January 6,
2009)— Cruel and inhumane “sports” involving animals for human spectacle and
entertainment have been part of underground culture for decades, but the
Michael Vick case truly opened up America’s eyes to the vicious world of dog
fighting. ANIMAL PLANET INVESTIGATES:
DOG FIGHTING EXPOSED shows that his case was only the tip of the iceberg. Kicking
off Animal Planet’s new ANIMAL PLANET
INVESTIGATES anthology strand, this special investigation features
unparalleled commentary and shocking, never-before-seen footage in a rare look
into the secretive world of organized dog fighting. This hour, which premieres Monday, January 25, at 10 PM (ET/PT), is the first in a line of quarterly ANIMAL PLANET INVESTIGATES specials
that will take a comprehensive, investigative look at timely issues that impact
both humans and animals.
With the help of law enforcement
officers who between them spent years as undercover dog fighters, ANIMAL PLANET INVESTIGATES: DOG FIGHTING
EXPOSED delves into the minds of those who breed dogs and raise them to fight.
These officers share their experiences
of dealing with criminals, high-stakes gambling and uncontrolled brutality
while infiltrating top dog fighting rings. A female ex-dog fighter gives a
glimpse into the mindset of those who exploit their dogs in this lucrative business,
and interviews with local citizens show what happens when easy money attracts
youth to the brutal practice. The
special examines cases across the United States, including Ohio, Texas,
Georgia, Michigan and New York, to show the scale and complexity of the problem,
while also offering glimmers of hope.
“By bringing viewers the true and
uncensored reality behind dog fighting, we intend to raise public awareness
about this cruel and inhumane practice,” says Marjorie Kaplan, president and
general manager of Animal Planet. “The brave men and women working tirelessly to
expose and dismantle these fighting rings are using daring tactics and thanks
in large part to their efforts we were able to share this powerful story with
our viewers in an in-depth and unprecedented way. Some of the images might be tough to take, but it’s vitally
important that these stories are told.”
A problem commonly found in urban
areas, ANIMAL PLANET INVESTIGATES: DOG FIGHTING
EXPOSED shows that dog fighting has tentacles that reach beyond the dark
basements and garages to seemingly respectable homes and businesses where the
fights take place. Gang activity and crime are often associated with these dog
fighting rings, and the culture of abuse encompasses much more than just the
dogs. Because of the large amounts of
cash passed around at these fights, dog fighters invest a lot time and money
into breeding and training a champion. The sad reality, however, is that a
champion often earns its title at the expense of its adversary’s life – and
often its own. Losing dogs rarely die in the ring, but they are routinely and
brutally killed by their owners.
While breaking up these rings is
still a battle, the special highlights some of the great strides that have been
made. There are now harsher punishments for dog fighters, and what was once
considered “sport” has now been labeled a felony in all 50 states.
