I think it’s a safe bet to say that most Modern Dog readers love and spoil their dogs and treat them as family members, so it’s hard for us to understand how people can be intentionally cruel to animals. Take for instance those who pit dogs against each other in the name of "sport". As we all know from the horrific facts revealed in the Michael Vick case, the dogs that end up in the fighting ring have been horribly abused both mentally and physically in order to train them to fight to the finish.ย  It’s a practice that needs to be stamped out and there are animal advocates working behind the scenes to do just that.


Recently, Modern Dog sponsored theย Fourth Annual HSUS Spotlight Humane event held February 23rd, in Chicago, IL. The proceeds will benefit the End Dogfighting Program in Chicago. It also honors those individuals whose innovative efforts crack down on dogfighting. This year, the successful gala drew more than 250 guests and supporters!


If you’d like more information on this program or are interested in getting involved in next year’s event, please contact,
HSUS.org.

Rescued Pit Bull …

Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the HSUS, presents the 2009 Humane Chicago Award to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart and Cook County Sheriff’s Department Investigators Larry Draus and Tyra "T" Brown. The Sheriff’s Department was honored for its innovative efforts to crack down on dogfighting in the Chicago area.

photos courtesy of HSUS