Last week, we took a break from the current topic of Liver Diseases and discussed the brutality associated with the so-called training of dogs by people who themselves need training. The weekend before we alluded to “factory-breeding” of cute mongrels with all sorts of enticing breed names which have no scientific base.

Today, we’ll have a cursory look at a new “sport” which has entered Guyana, and which is illegal. Many decades ago, cock fighting became a crime. Dog fighting falls into this category.

The first thing that springs to my mind is: What kind of person relishes the blood and gore associated with dog fighting? There is a certain patho-psychology associated with gaining pleasure at the pain and suffering of others. I refuse to believe that this sadism has only to do with money. How much can be won if my dog beats your dog? Look people, this is not a bird whistling competition. The dogs rip each other apart. Those who survive must be showing severe lacerations. Who stitches them up? Vets? Veterinary surgeons may not refuse treatment to an animal whose condition was brought on by the dastardly acts of man, but they can certainly report the matter to the authorities and agitate for action. Veterinary technicians? This group can be easily managed by the authorities, but perhaps the dog with deep bites and hanging flesh is simply killed by the owner.
Whichever way you look at it, dog fighting is as odious as it is callous. It is an atrocity which no civilized person should condone or support. This includes spouses of those who are involved in such heinous “sport”. Can you imagine being the spouse of a person who gets happiness at baiting dogs and then allowing them to tear each other to shreds? This includes the handymen who have to wash down the blood after the fight. This includes neighbours and any other witnesses or those who have knowledge of the malevolence.

Of all the wonderful things that one can do on Sunday morning, surely only a sick mind can want to achieve an adrenaline surge from such bestiality. To be quite honest, I really do think that people who are engaged in Pit Bull fighting need psychiatric help. I implore them to seek such help.

Can you imagine how innocent passersby can be mauled by dogs which have been “trained” (in the most brutal of ways) to be vicious and aggressive. In recent times, reports in the press are documenting instances when school children, old men and handicapped persons are seriously damaged by dogs, some of which are bred for fighting.
Someone has raised the idea of banning Pit Bulls from being reared in Guyana. This is another issue, and for other reasons it has to be dealt with. However, I do believe that if there were no Pit Bulls in Guyana, these promoters of dog fighting would train Rottweilers and Dobermans and even common breed dogs to fight each other.

Let me hasten to add that dog fighting seems not to be very widespread in Guyana. At least the reports that we receive tend to support this belief. However, even if there is only one fight a week on the East Coast or elsewhere, that is one fight too many.

We are imploring those who are involved in this unkindness to discontinue it. We at the Guyana Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) do not wish confrontation. We wish that you can convince yourselves that this blood sport detracts from your own sense of rightness, and from your being a superior species.

Reflect on and enjoy Freedom Day.

Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-Heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals.  Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.