Rewards For Reporting Animal Fighting

Will This Eliminate Hendry And Glades County Animal Fighting?

CLEWISTON, FL. -- Hendry and Glades county residents as well as all Floridians can now report animal fighting and be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 by calling The Humane Society of the United States' animal fighting tip line at 877-TIP-HSUS (847-4787). The rural areas around Clewiston, Moore Haven, and LaBelle have been popular locations for illegal animal fighting for many years, and Florida is the location of many major dogfighting operations, according to authorities.

 "Animal fighting is a cruel and criminal behavior often associated with gang activity and other violence," said Attorney General McCollum. "Now Floridians will have an easy, anonymous way to help make their neighborhoods safer and perhaps receive a substantial reward for their efforts."

Once tips are authenticated, investigators work with law enforcement agencies to inspect, arrest and prosecute animal fighters. Callers' identities are protected, and if a caller's tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of an animal fighter, the caller becomes eligible for a reward of up to $5,000 from The HSUS.

The HSUS animal fighting tip line was first established in the wake of the Michael Vick case so Georgia residents can easily report illegal animal fighting to authorities. Since its inception in January 2008, the Georgia tip line has received more than 1,000 calls, leading to seven raids and 11 arrests.

Last May, the Florida Attorney General announced The HSUS's $5,000 reward program to combat animal fighting in Florida and strongly supports this latest phase in the efforts to find and prosecute those involved in the crime. The HSUS estimates that Florida is one of the top three states in which major dogfighting operations exist.