Dog Fighting in Kansas City

In light of the recent news concerning Michael Vick and his alleged involvement in dog fighting, the criminal sport is getting a lot of attention. People are beginning to ask if dog fighting is going on in their own neighborhoods, and those people for whom pets are coming up missing worry about those used as "bait."

The question arose as to whether or not dog fighting was happening in my own city. There are parts of Kansas City that one might suspect, after all. I also wanted to know what happens to the dogs involved.

I first spoke with Karen of the Humane Society in Kansas City, Kansas. She confirmed that they had some dogs that came into their care that had been used in dog fighting. Apparently, it is very difficult to charge anyone in the Kansas City area with dog fighting, because those involved in this business - and Karen disclosed that it is a business, and a money maker at that - are very discreet and do not let outsiders into the activity. Dog fighting in Kansas City is very much an underground activity and it's very well organized. It has thus far been impossible to get an undercover officer involved in those circles. There have been some instances in which neighbors have blown the whistle on some offenders.

Karen told me that in many cities in the Kansas City metropolitan area, it is actually illegal for a person to own a pit bull. In Kansas City, Kansas, it has been illegal for 16 years. Those who had suspected involvement in dog fighting in Kansas City Kansas would get Missouri drivers licenses in order to retrieve their pit bulls. However, other breeds have been popular as the pit bull ownership is illegal, and they involve boxers (popular for the reason they got their name; they will stand on their hind legs and 'box.') and rottweilers have been used, too.

When a dog comes into the Humane Society, it is evident if they have been used for dog fighting. Karen has adopted a dog that is suspected to have been used as 'bait.' The 1 ½ year old female dog is named "Freckles," due to the white marks all over her face that are scars where deep bites once were speckled across her face. Other injuries include skin ripped off the face and legs.