Rewards offered to stop illegal animal fighting in Minnesota

Glen Stubbe, Star Tribune file

One of the 102 roosters, hens and chickens seized from an illegal cockfighting and breeding operation in Ramsey City this summer. This rooster was the winner of its fight and was still covered in dried blood and wounds from the fight. The birds were taken to the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley.

Rewards to be offered in effort to stamp out dogfighting, cockfighting in

Star Tribune

Last update: November 18, 2008 - 5:57 AM

Rewards will soon be offered in Minnesota in an effort to stamp out dogfighting and cockfighting.

The Humane Society of the United States has teamed with Minnesota law enforcement agencies and is offering up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in illegal animal fighting.

"Cockfighting and dogfighting are horribly cruel blood sports that hurt not only the animals involved, but the communities in which they exist," said Jill Fritz, Minnesota director for the Humane Society.

Representatives from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, Minnesota Police & Peace Officers Association and Minnesota Animal Control Association announced the rewards Monday.

Cockfighting and dogfighting are felonies in Minnesota.

Dogfighting is a highly organized criminal industry in the United States. More than 250,000 dogs are placed in dogfighting pits each year. The Humane Society estimates that 40,000 people are involved in organized dogfighting and an additional 100,000 are street-level fighters.

Tens of thousands of people also are involved in cockfighting nationwide.

Raids nationwide have revealed that cockfights, frequently attended by children, often involve gambling and firearms and other weapons.

In September, more than 100 fighting birds were confiscated in Ramsey by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office. Similar busts were made in July in East Bethel and in April in St. Paul.

PAUL WALSH

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