Animal Abuse: I Am Sick to My Stomach!
AP Photo
As you no doubt know, I’ve not hesitated to use this blog to take on animal abuse, especially when it comes to the vicious mistreatment of dogs through the so-called “sport” of dogfighting. And I really thought we were making some progress against dogfighting this past year with law enforcement officers making a couple of major national busts.
Then came the stunning news that the Supreme Court had struck down a federal law designed to stop the sale and marketing of videos showing dogfights and other illegal acts of animal cruelty. The majority of the justices said the law was an unconstitutional violation of free speech, because it was too broad and could, for example, allow prosecutions for selling photos of out of season hunting. As a result, the high court threw out the conviction of a Virginia man who sold vicious dog-fighting videos that he advertised in Sporting Dog Journal, an underground magazine devoted to illegal dogfighting.
I was sick to my stomach. Dogfighting is illegal in this country but selling a dog-fighting video isn’t? We’re seriously going to let people profit from their films of pets being abused? Is there anyone out there who thinks that is even close to being the right thing to do?
If anything, the Supreme Court decision only proves that we’ve still got a long way to go when it comes to protecting animals. That’s why we’re putting together a show that is going to shine a harsh spotlight on the animal abuse that still plagues our country. We’re not only going after people who think it’s perfectly acceptable to leave their pets cramped in cages with little or no water and blatant neglect, we’re going after those professional “dogfighters” who diligently train their pit bulls to fight other pit bulls to the death and every other form of abuse.
I’m sure you are going to find the show revealing. And if you know of anyone — someone in your neighborhood, someone from work, even a relative — who is abusing animals, let us know. We’ll try to do something about it. I promise you. This injustice cannot continue. It’s time to fight back.
Tags: animal abuse, Dogfighting, in the news
i am sitting here cryin my eyes out as i watch ur show… i volunteer in rescue & have had several fostered pitties/dogs/animals that have been fought or used as bait… it breaks my heart 2 see any type of animal abuse… i have had 2 put many a fighting/bait/abused dogcat/animal 2 sleep due 2 their injuries or because of how vicious they were… but i have also been able 2 save a few… i have cried 4 every loss & celebrated every victory (they were few & far between, but there were some)…
2 rescue ink… i wish we had more guys out there like u… we could really use u out here n california… keep up the good work where ever u can…
Dear Dr. Phil,
I have followed you faithfully since your days on Oprah, I am a huge fan, that said, this is the first time I’ve ever written you. Thank you for doing the show against animal cruelty. I can’t tell you how upset I was at seeing the ignorance of the dog fighting promoter and the extreme cruelty of the man in the elevator as well as the footage from the dog raids. I was so proud of the heros of Rescu Ink, thank God for real men with big hearts who champion the cause of innocent animals. Thank you for shinning a light in this dark corner of our society, from me and my little Pug Jada our black Lab Mary and on behalf of all animals and animal lovers, YOU ROCK!!!!!
Quite interesting for Rick to compare what humans do to each other in a boxing
ring, to dog fighting. We have free will and can choose whether to box and kill.
Rick trains his dogs to do this. They don’t have a choice with him and those like
him. I’m afraid I find Rick typical of people who enjoy this type of thing. He places no value except a monetary one, on any of his dogs. It scares me that I
share the world with people like Rick.
He is correct however in his assertion that this Country sanctions the killing of perfectly good dogs and cats, somewhere around 4 million a year. Caused by
thoughtless or uninformed people who continue to allow their animals to breed.
And most States mindlessly round them up and kill them as they’ve done for 60 years. Here in NC many of the counties still kill by gas chamber stuffing in as many as they can. True, Dr. Phil, though I do wish it were not. Now there’s an
idea for a follow up show. Thank you for the show today. bw
God Bless you Dr.Phil for bringing this up subject,for i am a animal lover ,in fact i owned a pittbull and he was the most lovable and gentle dog that i have ever owned,can’t imagine someone treating him that way.Don’t think they give them who abuse animals enough time or fines for this action.Like the previous comment sent by Kay there is so many dogs that need homes and to be taken in to be loved ,just breaks my heart.Got mine from my son he had raised some for a while and everyone who got one said the same thing that i did about them.I know it is all in how they are raised just like any other animal,i raised him with lots of Love and good care and he returned that to me.If at all possible ,would like to get some info on these Bikers who rescues these dogs for my son still has 4 that he has to find loving homes for .He recently had to move from his home because of losing his Job and has no place for them,need to find homes for them as soon as possible,for is in forecloser as we speak..He has someone taking care of them ,but don’t know what will happen to them after that.God Bless you all .
I could hardly make it thru the first five minutes of the show without crying and throwing up!!! I don’t know how someone could feel okay about themself know that they do this to something living. He is out of his mind to think that a dog would want to fight and they aren’t getting hurt “much”. I think this man should have someone treat him the same way he is treating his dogs and his jail time should have been much longer. I have a small dog named Tank that my husband took from someone that he knew, that had been miss treating him. By no means was it in anyway the abuse that these dogs suffered, but he was still miss treated. My dog now has problems with anyone outside of my family, he knows that we love and protect him. He has become aggressive with anyone that comes to our house. I think that people like the group of biker guys, are sent to earth with hearts of gold. I know that if my husband would let me I would take in abuse and neglected animals. This is a horriable topic that is hardly talked about and should have more light shed on it. It shouldn’t just be talked about just because someone famous like Michael Vick did it. I also know that you said that you weren’t talking about anyone type of dogs, but I also have a pitbull, stories like this one does make them look worse. It breaks my heart because this type of dog will never catch a break. It is never seen on tv or in the papers when there is a dog attack when it anyother type of dog but pits.
Watching your show today made me so sick to my stomach. I had to turn to a differnet channel for some parts of your show because there were some scenes that I could not reason in my head. I cannot believe that there are people out there like that and consider what they do okay. It makes me wonder if they can do this to an animal what would they do to another human being. ( Cruelty to animals is one of the signs of a serial killer) I think the any people like the guests you had on today should NEVER EVER be able to own any kind of animal ever again. There should be public notice of these people who abuse animals, especially people who do anything for a dollar. How would any of your guest feel if they were treated in the matter they treat their animals? I pray that none of your guest ever get the life beaten out of them, or left for dead because your replaceable or forced to reproduce again and again against your will but karma as a funny way of kicking people in the ass. What goes around comes around. Some people just do not have a conscience and the guest you had on today just proved my last statement. God Bless people like the hard working people on Rescue Ink. Those people reaffirm to me that there is good in people. Keep up the good work Rescue Ink. Thank God that there are people like you that give animals hope.
I think it’s sick to think of dog fighting as a sport. Pitbulls are banned in Ontario for this very reason and the owners who are irrsponsible with their dogs have never been brought to justice at all.
All the breed ban seems to target is responsible people and pitbull enthusists are screaming out “ban the deed not the breed.”
This show is the very first show I could not watch in full.
I hope someone locks “sport” in a ring so another can chew on his neck. I suspect he will cry like a little girl….but not to worry: he will be provided a good dinner when he is taken home.
Hope this is reward enough for him too.
Thanks Dr. Phil for finally doing a show on animal abuse!!! This is a serious matter that needs addressed to the fullest!! I am the biggest animal lover EVER!! I went to college for large animal science (livestock) and I don’t care whether it be dogs, cats, pigs, or cattle NO ANIMAL deserves to be abused or neglected as a pet or for food consumption!! I’ve often thought of becoming an humane officer but I don’t think I could control myself when I came face to face with the person who commits these inhumane crimes! Plus I would take in the majority of them and I don’t have the finances but I sure wish I did!! I understand people kill livestock for food but do it humanely. Large animals get abused just the same as small animals and I consider some large animals as pets too. I also have 5 cats and I can not imagine ANYONE hurting my babies! They are just like my own kids!! I’ve worked on a couple farms and I’ve seen MANY acts of animal abuse and it makes me sick!! Please do a show on farming and show the public how livestock are treated in large operations. I know people have to eat but some of the ways to get to the end product is appalling!!
So thanks again for helping these poor innocent animals that need a voice so badly!!! People need to be responsible and care for their animals and if not give them up so someone else can!!!
I’m so sickened by what was on your show to the point of tears. I thought dog fighting was illegal and more was being done to prosecute those who participate in such an evil activity.
Let me tell those of you who do this, that one day, you will stand in front of God and answer for the abuse and misuse of His creatures. They were put here to be examples of God’s unconditional love toward us and not to be used for the sick games you play with them at their expense.
I’m disgusted with the “gentleman”–and I use the term gentleman loosely here–who was on your show who spoke in favor of dog fighting and practices it with no remorse. He’s of the same mentality that had Romans throwing Christians to the lions as sport. I’m thinking: How much sport would have find in being thrown to a pit full of hungry lions…or dogs? He said the dog that was bitten in that video and screaming in pain was just scared and panicking and not in pain! Ok, let a dog bite you to the bone, make you bleed and scream, and see how much fun it is and how much you like it. We’ll ignore your screams and tell you it’s ok, you’re just panicking and not having any pain. Just because you don’t feel it, doesn’t mean it’s not there.
He made me angry–I’d love to see see him put in such a position. Those dogs have no choice.
Thanks to the guys from Rescue Ink for the work they do. I am not a proponent of violence; however, I’d love to see you guys in a room with that guy for 5 minutes. In fact, I’d love to help you! I mean after all, it’s just “sport”, right?
I would like to adopt the two black cockers.
I’m so glad you had a show like this. I have never been so upset over animal abuse. It was very hard watching the 1st few minutes of the show. I could not have contained myself if I had been there in person. Showing the clips of abuse were very necessary for everyone watching to be outraged that this happens everyday of the week. I have seen several news clips of animal abuse, but hearing and watching this clip has to make everyone wake up! I hope you continue to have shows like this in the future. This has to move people. I have 3 dogs living in my home now. They are members of our family.
I want to thank you for doing this show today, people have to be aware of what is going on and need to help these innocent animals. i was so sad watching the show today, it absolutely breaks my heart
How and why people can abuse animals is anything above what i will ever understand and i can only say that they will get theirs in the end .as far as that scum with the dogfighting,was he for real? im hoping he watches himself again and sees what a loser,lowlife he really is!! i wanted to jump through the television when he was speaking, and was so happy that rescue ink was there to let him know how stupid and ignorant he is! God bless all of the animal rescues, you really are angels for what you do in speaking for those who cannot and make sure justice is served!
I am so grateful Dr. Phil did a show on this topic! It is a topic I am VERY passionate about. This man, if he can be called that, on the show is uneducated and makes me sick!! There are so many ignorant people out there that think that this is ok. Dont fighting is not ok!!!! This animals need people to be their voice. They are innocent victims that are unable to get out of this horrific environment. I cant believe people have no heart or soul and can put these poor animals in a ring to fight. It truly boggles my mind. Seeing this show really motivates me to try and help in any way i can!! Please everyone out there that feels the same, help stop this from happening to any other innocent animals!!!!!
Thank you so much for finally taking such a strong stand on animal abuse — it is NEVER alright. The imbeciles that think that a blood sport such a dog fighting or cock fighting is fine to do and that they believe the dogs and cocks are well taken care of as pets/ well all I can say is that these people are very, very sick in the head. Punishment in a normal for is not good enough for them ( by this I am referring to a mere fine or time in prison). The prison time might be a more plausible thing for them, as I have a feeling that most inmates feel the same way about animal abuse as they do about abusing women and children. I want to thank you also about taking on the stories of abuse of women. It is certainly time that we all start treating each other with much more respect. Animals however, do not have the luxury of standing up for themselves and I personally think that the abusers should have no less than being abused badly in a fight ring (where they cannot leave) by each other. Perhaps that would satisfy their aggression….then they should be locked up in a mental institution. Feel free to reply to me if you wish. This particular show really bothered me. Miss Hilton expressed my feeling to a small degree, I would prefer to carry it further.
Thank you for your time. People like you give me hope for the ones that cannot fight for themselves. We need more of them…..a special thanks to Rescue Ink. I wish that we had a branch of them in Florida.
I just wanted to say a big “thank you” for putting this very horrendous subject before the public. Animal abuse is out of control and we must not turn a blind eye to the cruelty put upon animals. Please continue to air shows of this nature in order to keep it on the minds of people.
Thank you again
Dr.Phil, thank you so much for your show on animal cruelty. I burst into tears when I saw and heard that poor dog screaming for help. I’m glad that someone on national TV has forced eveyone to learn how cruel animal fighting is.
I have been around animals my whole life, I volunteer at an animal rescue in Canada and am absolutely appalled at the things humans do to trusting loving animals. Thank you for your show today I hope it opens a lot of eyes to an ongoing problem that people either know nothing about or turn a blind eye too……That gentleman (for lack of a better term) Rob seems to have obviously got away with a minor slap on the hand for the inhumane things he has these dogs do. The laws defiantly need re-vamping. And for him to say “Dog fighters take care of their animals. They’re the best taken care of dogs in the world. In my opinion, I’ve never done anything to an animal that’s cruel.” but then later in the interview Rob states “that if dog fighting were legalized, the animals would receive better care.”
I have always loved the quote “life is tough, it’s even tougher when your stupid” and today I know who that quote was meant for.
I joined today to make some comments on this show. I am the surgical tech for Oklahoma Spay Network. We spay and neuter cats and dogs for low income families and rescue groups. There is no excuse for fighting dogs and to say it is a sport is even more absurd. Rob made the comment that the dogs are loved and fed well and put back on their chain. Hello, a dog who lives life on a chain is not well taken care of. There are many forms of cruelty to animals whether it is fighting, hoarding or flat out physical abuse. I was so happy to hear you promote adopting a pet. People do not realize just how many dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters. I really wish I would have heard you promoting spaying and neutering pets as well. Most shelters and rescue groups worth anything will only adopt out pets that have been sterilized. Check out the statistics about how many offspring are produced by one unspayed female. We need to be responsible pet owners who are not contributing to the overpopulation problem. For every animal that is purchased one in a shelter will not be adopted. Spaying and neutering your pets also benefits their health. Cancer risks are greatly reduced if not eliminated. It keeps them at home instead of roaming and looking for others to breed with, getting run over or shot by angry homeowners. Hormones will dominate and take priority one. They will do whatever they have to do to breed. For those who say my dog is in a fence and doesn’t get out to breed is cruel as well. There is nothing more frustrating to want to breed and not be able to! I could go on and on. Please spay and neuter your pets not only for population control but for their overall health and well being. They will be much happier and it won’t change their personality. It will keep them home and happy to protect and provide companionship.
I wish I could have jumped thru the screen and tackled this issue face-face with this Rob! I have 6 rescue dogs all from different areas & times. When I bring a dog in they bond they do not fight. My dogs don’t even fight over FOOD! I work with rescue groups and put out my hard earned money to save these abused animals. So do many others and we do not get reimbursed. That jerk, “Rob” compared dog fighting to extreme fighting. In extreme fighting the humans do not fight to the death! I currently have a pittie rescued from a shelter being shutdown in my area. He would be a bait dog… if my 15 lb Italian Greyhound growls at my pittie he runs away and hides! My pittie is 65 lbs and could swallow my IG whole. Dogs run in packs and bond … they don’t automatically fight! I have a Jack Russell that was so badly beaten by his original owner he was barely breathing and unconscious when he was taken into the vet the THIRD time! This dog loves other dogs but is now terrified of men and must be introduced slowly to men. I think Rob needs some electroshock therapy treatments to get his thinking right. I would be willing to bet that if he wasn’t fighting dogs, he would be taking his agression out on his wife and kids!
Dear Dr. Phil,
I would like to congratulate you on your best show ever!! By exposing what really is going on out there regarding our precious animals, I’m sure you have encouraged many, many people to fight for better legislation to protect those who have no voice. Excellent Program! As a volunteer President of the Humane Society of Somerset County for the past 10 years, I can say I see and hear about this daily. We are so grateful to you. We would be so honored if you would check out our website http://www.somersetpets.com The animals have one outstanding fan in their corner.
Thank you,
Sally Urban
President, Humane Society of Somerset County
Watching todays show was hard to do with the images and the ignorance of the man who considers dog fighting a sport he should be left in a closed off area with a bigger stronger person just like these poor dogs that can’t defend themselves I honestly don not know how he can live with himself
I would also like to thank you for showing people what is going on in this world of animal abuse. It’s not just fighting, as you showed and educated people with this show.
So, then Dr. Phil .. You are a man of certain power … What can you do to help bring people together to combat this haenous practice. What does it take to get the Surpeme Court to see the good THEY could do by passing laws to help prevent this crap from happening.
In my community some months back a Westie was found in a trash can with a broken leg and a large stick down it’s throat which displaced the collar bone. The dog was beaten and left in a park in the trash can filled with water and trash. This sickened our community. The dog survived thanks to our local York County SPCA and was permanently adopted by two volunteers at the shelter. This issue needs to be addressed on many levels. We need to realize that individuals who abuse helpless animals are a threat to the community at large. They have no moral compass and cannot be trusted. The sickness has to stop. Thank you, Dr. Phil for addressing this subject. WE ARE THEIR VOICE.
Dr Phil,
Your program on animal abuse had me riveted.
Thanks for highlighting animal abuse and trying to get the message out about how important it is to adopt from rescue groups such as the SPCA instead of buying from breeders or pet stores.
I also would like to mention that it is not just dogs and cats and other animals we keep as pets that suffer horribly. Farm animals also suffer horribly and this is a largely invisible problem but these animals form all the same kind of bonds and have feelings just like cats and dogs.
Thanks again!
I just cannot believe that such cruel people actually exist in the world. I just would really like to know what causes this type of individual to evolve, from an inocent little baby, into a monster who would actually enjoy doing this revolting activity! Really, dog fighters should be locked up and studied, mabey we could find a way to rehabilitate them into human beings.
Hi Dr. Phil,
I did not get a chance to see the show and weak hearted to see it because I love these animals more than anything in this world. I it breaks my heart to see them been abused by barbaric people who do this for the greed of money. I pray that God will punish every single evil person 100 fold for what they are doing to these beautiful animals.
Pls keep doing more shows on animals becaus ethe world needs to know that they are God’s gift to men for companionship. Dogs are the best companion a man can have.
Thk You
Dr. Phil – I didn’t event make it through the first 5 minutes of today’s show. The film of the dogs fighting, especially the shounds, made me physically ill. It wad like listening to a child cry out in pain for help and walking away. I have watched (literally) thousands of sporting rvents in my life, even boxing, and NEVER, have I felt physically sick watching any of them. I cannot for the life of me understand how your guest can compare watching two innocent animals trying to kill each other to a soccer match or football game. REALLY? I guess if these sick people who enjoy dogs fighting to the death want to properly outfit the dogs with mouth guards, helmets, pads, and other safety gear, then I might be willing to listen to pointless rationale that it’s a sport and not cruelty. Until then, dog fighters I pray that the guys from Resue Ink come knocking on your door. (P.S. I love you guys and your show!!) Thank you for exposing this sick, vile tolerance of destroying innocent animals which is prolific in this country. If Michael Vick had to pay the price for dog killing everyone exposed for participating should be held accountable for their actions. Six months in jail is nothing – this is serious, felony activity and anyone who knowingly participates should be locked away for a long, long time. I don’t want him in my neighborhood anymore than I want a child molester in my neighbor hood. They are sick and twisted individuals!!
Dr. Phil, I watch your show on daily basis and it really upset me to see the show today on Animal Abuse. I could not watch it and that man needed to spend more than six months in jail for what he had done to dogs. He should of served a year for every dog that died due to his dogfighting. And I hope the public becomes aware of what is going on and reports it to Animal Control if they know someone who is involved in this horrible situation.
The first mistake made by the professional dogfighter was comparing dogfighting to human sporting events. That is a fallacy as it is placing animals on the same level of humans. A more appropriate comparison would be one towards horse racing and other animal use by humans that cause injury or death of the animal but are socially acceptable to society. Horse racing is one of these events.
Here are the similarities towards of the two sports because both involve use of animals by humans:
1. Entertainment – Certain aspects of society find competition between two animals entertaining. One prefers the horse race, the other prefers the dog fight.
2. Financial Gain – This could be from gambling to stud/offspring fees. When horses win races, they are eventually retired and studded out for enormous fees and the horse itself is extremely valuable. When a dog attains the title of Grand Champion, that dog is for the most part retired and used as stud. The dog itself is worth thousands of dollars. But sometimes the horse doesn’t produce champions and ends up as a steak on somebody’s plate (Ferdinand).
3. Breed Standards – The dogfighter made mention of the pup being “tested”. This is true. Every dog can fight, but not every dog has “game”. Game is that essence in a dog to never quit through any type of adversity. This is what the dogfighter is looking for when it comes to fighting a dog. The dogs that lack game are weeded out and the ones with game are bred. The same is done with horses, those who can race are kept and those who can’t are weeded out, sold at auction, sold as pets or in some cases, sold as dog food.
You say dogfighting is cruel. Is horse racing any less cruel? In a one year study starting in 2008 (Jockey Club), there were over 700 fatal injuries of race horses in North America. This does not include all the intentional injuries that occurred which were not fatal. These injuries were all created by humans as the horses were “forced” to compete for the entertainment and profit of humans. And yes, the horses are forced.
Granted, dogs are more prone to injury and death to the nature of their sport. Yet society deems horse racing to be acceptable.
Not every dog fight ends in the death of the dog. Matter of fact, most dog fights don’t end in the death of the dog. A dog cannot be forced to fight. The dog has to want to fight. Picture a line going from corner to corner in the ring. This is called a scratch line. The dogs are placed at opposite corners and a judge orders the dogs released by their handlers. The dogs fight and if one of the dogs submits, it’s called a “turn”. The judge orders the dogs separated. At that point in time the dogs are taken to their respective corners and the dog that turned is ordered released. That dog has 10 seconds to cross the scratch line to engage the other dog. If that dog refuses to do so the fight is over. The dog cannot be forced to fight. Remember, some of these dogs are worth thousands. Again, the dog that turned and refuses to fight may face eventual death at the hand of it’s owner, but it’s not different than the failed race horse that is sent to slaughter.
You (people) say dog fighting is cruel, yet you support other forms of cruelty. Horse racing, the meat industry, vegan-ism (animals killed in the raising/harvesting of crops), the intentional mutilation of an animals reproductive organs (spaying/neutering) and all other uses of animals that result in the death or injury of the animal. Cruelty is pretty subjective and it’s based upon convenience. Since you don’t participate in dog fighting, you say it’s cruel. But if you eat meat, you’ll find it convenient to ignore the cruelty involved in the meat industry. Or if you like horse racing you’ll find it convenient to ignore the cruelty involved in that activity.
You’ll say the animal that dies at the hands of humans in the meat industry, horse racing or even at the shelters were killed in a humane manner. Ever ask the animal? Doubt it. That would be too inconvenient.
Dr. Phil, thank you so much for exposing the horrific and heart wrenching topic of people who exploit and abuse these poor animals to satisfy their thirst for violence and blood sport. I could not stop crying and had to force myself to watch the footage of the dogs being abused. How sad that humans do this to trusting and helpless animals, who love us unconditionally.
Whether it be dog fighting, or the slaughtering of dolphins and whales. When will the human race ever acknowledge and stop abusing and killing creatures that make our world a better place to live?
Kudos to Rescue Ink, I wish every town had an organization that is as committed
to rescuing animals from abuse as this group of animal lovers are.
Dr. Phil ~ Thank you so very, very much for having the show “Confronting Animal Abuse” I’m so glad you came forward to do this…
As sad as it was, and as mad as I got (at the “man” that enjoyed dog fighting) it needed to be showed for what these awful monsters are doing to loving animals :’(…
I hope this makes this disgusting, horrible, sad and sickening reality more aware to people. WE SHOULD NOT TURN OUR HEADS!!!!!!!!!!! We ALL need to do our part to STOP THIS!!!!!!!!!! Let’s ALL do our part!!
Also, kudos to the brave men of Rescue Ink. We need more of them everywhere…
I just wanted to say that I had seen your show Tuesday and am totally disgusted on how these animals are treated. The laws need to be changed if they continue to allow this type of behaviour to go unaddressed. Does this mean that we can go up to a “seeing-eye dog” for instance and give them a boot in the face and get away with it? Or how about a police dog? And if these dogs are protected from abuse, why not all dogs. Are dogs considered to be so trivial and worthless that they are not protected by law? Dogs deserve protection from this type of insane abuse. We, as a society, should not allow such treatment go unpunished. I commend all the work that Rescue Ink is doing to stick up for these and other dogs that have been abused.
Dr. Phil,
Thank you so much for doing a show on animal abuse.The show touched my heart and soul all I could do was hold my dog close to me and hold his ears…lol. It pains me to know that their are crazy people out their that doesn’t have a soul…God help them… Their was a couple Here in Ar that was charged not only once but twice…and nothing was really done they paid a fine. I believe people that do mean things to animal shouldn’t be able to be around children point blank if they could be that mean to an animal who is to say they want to a child….. thank you again Dr. Phil love your show
I, like so many others, was appalled by the actions of the animal abusers on your show. I don’t agree under any circumstances with what the dog fighter was saying to reason why he does what he does but please take note that he did make one very valid point. He stated that he kills other animals, such as deer, and doesn’t get ridiculed for that so why should he be ridiculed for killing dogs. He makes an interesting point but so many people are iggnorant to the facts when it comes to how their food makes its way to their plates. Yes it is tragic the way he has abused and killed the dogs that he fights but what is also tragic is how millions of animals are abused, neglected, and killed every year for their meat. Many are quick to ridicule others for abusing animals but often never look within themselves and see the suffering they are inflicting on animals. If you are eating meat or wearing leather and fur you are in turn supporting animal abusers the only difference is that you are financing someone else to do it for you so your hands look clean. How can you say you are an animal lover and welcome dogs and cats into you home but then turn around and pay someone else to slaughter an animal for your next meal. I challenge everyone to really find out how your food gets to your plate and become true animal lovers. Take a 30 day pledge to be cruelty free http://www.peta.org/vsk/
Although thrilled about the publication this topic received on your show today, I wish the general public realized this is not about dog fighting,but so much more. This is simply one more sample of the immoral need for control. I have never thought of myself as a woman’s liber and have simply thought that mistreatment was wrong, however I can not help but wonder how these horrible acts of violence often befall at the hands of men. (not saying that women are completely innocent) however they are also victims of this controlling behavior. There appears to be nothing in this world untouched by the righteous hand of man. There are forms of abuse that can be added to their resume that encompass every mammal, animal and various creatures on this planet. I would like to asks the mothers of this great planet when they are going to stop their sons. When are they going to apply moral equality and fair treatment of all the creatures of this planet in their daily upbringing of these children. We give them life, but we also need to teach them how to live it. All of these oppressive and abusive behaviors are not needed in this century and can be stopped through the teachings that parents and communities provide to their children. Expect more, expect kindness, expect decency, expect fairness, expect common sense. expect equality and expect respect. Creating an new cycle is not easy, but it begins with these simple expectations and a little common sense. Perhaps this man would not be doing things he is doing if his though process were re-direct to positive expectations!
Most will be surprised by me saying this but I want to thank your guest, Rob. I think he did a great job in opening the eyes of a lot of people. He came to defend his so-called “sport” but I think he managed to a lot more damage to his “cause” by his own ignorance!!
Dr Phile, thank you so much for doing this show. I’ve heard a lot of people say they can’t watch shows like Animal Cops and Rescue Ink because they can’t stand to “see” the abuse. These people will watch and respond to you! We NEED to watch these things so that we KNOW what is happening out there!
I have always loved animals but I thank my oldest daughter, Tiffany, for the way I feel today. We lost her in a car accident at the age of 16 in June of 2005. She had always wanted to be a vet and at the age of 13 started volunteering at our local vet. She had a heart of gold and loved anything breathing! I told her when she started NOT to call me about any animals! Right! She managed not to until a little over a year before her accident. A local lady that works with In Defense of Animals had found some very small kittens being abused by some young boys. They needed to be bottle fed so Tiffany called me since I don’t work (I’m an RN with multiple health problems so hadn’t worked in a while). We took them and I started doing research on animal abuse and neglect. That changed my life!
My husband works at a plant where a lot of feral cats hang around the garbage bins. Of course they have kittens and so many get killed in the rough environment. We have rescued many of these precious babies, including a blind one. Right now, I have 17 cats, 6 dogs, 3 horses, and 5 roosters and all of my dogs and cats have been fixed! I love each and every one of these animals but of course, it’s too many… but I can’t turn my back on them. We live in the country and people are constantly dropping animals off here. (Even had someone drop some roosters off once!!) It is so hard to find them homes. We live in a small southern town and don’t even have a humane society…just a local dog pound. They don’t take cats (not that I would send mine there anyway!) and the dogs they get are kept outside, four to a kennel. We finally have a group started to help these animals but it is a long long process!!
I think your show will open so many eyes! I don’t consider myself an over the top activist…. I just want them to be treated decently. Thank you so much for taking a stand and putting this out there. I have been a fan of yours for many years but have never posted. I think you are a top notch man, husband, and father!
To Rescue Ink: you guys rock!! I’ve watched your show and want to thank you for showing the world that you can be a tough man and still love and respect animals! I’m married to one so I know it exists!
For anyone reading this, please do what you can. I know most can’t take in the number of animals I have (rough when your animal food bill is higher than your family groceries!) but if everyone does a little, the world will be a better place. They feel just like we do…they know pain! If you can’t take an animal into your home, then do whatever you can by volunteering or supporting your local humane society!
Mainly … Don’t BUY a pet! ADOPT!!! Then spay and neuter!! So many are put to sleep every minute…don’t add to those statistics!!
Thanks for reading,
Lisa
Dear Dr. Phil, I thank you so much for your show and for getting the word out about animal cruelty. We need more people to stand up and say we will not take it anymore. If you think dog fighting is cruel, I invite you to investigate the world of “penning”. This is a SPORT that involves fox, coyote and raccoon that are wild caught and then turned loose (days later, after being caged with no food or water) in a fenced in area with a PACK of dogs turned loose on them. They are then torn apart alive as a means of training dogs to track them in the wild…often the dogs are injured as well…Thankfully several states have banned this cruel and barbaric practice, many are looking at it such as Florida and Indiana. Look to your web and see graphic photos and videos of this horrific SPORT! There is no sport involved! This is animal cruelty at its peak!!!Please help us BAN the sport of PENNING! Tell Florida, Indiana, etc this is not acceptable…we will not take it anymore! This is our wildlife and we want to preserve it!!!!
Dr. Phil,
The woman with all the dogs is VERY similar to Ms. Kapsa, sentenced last year here in Billings for the same thing. The irony…After finding dead dogs, feces, etc. on her property, she is still allowed to have animals!!!
-As for the show, I have two things to say to you first and then to the tough-guy group…
ROCK ON!!!
Thank you SO much for doing this show and for standing up for all of us animal lovers and the animals that we love!
Dr. Phil, thank you for your show about animal abuse. It was indeed a difficult show to watch, and I’m sure it was difficult for you to do, given your love for Maggie and all other animals. I know I had to go and hug all five of my kitties after seeing it.
But it had to be done. You reach millions of viewers every day. Thank you for helping to raise awareness of this very serious issue.
thanx
Is there a link to watch the show as I live in Australia and probadly have to wait ten years to see it lol
This was so sick I turned it off into the first few minutes . Tell those 2 sicko’s to come up to Canada so we can open up a can of woop ass on them see who’s screaming then only cowards would treat helpless creatures in this sick and inhumane way . As we say here in Canada what goes around comes around .
I, like many others was brought to tears watching your show about animal cruelty. I found myself for the first time talking (well yelling at the TV) when that igorant Rob was trying to defend himself. Luckily, he failed to do so and nothing he said even made sense to anyone but himself. The only change I would have made to the show would have been to let the guy from Rescue Ink have at him. Haha!
Thank you for bringing this important issue along with the overpopulation of pets to light.
ADOPT DO NOT BUY!
You’re right, dr phill. Something is wrong when a video is being sold about dogfighting, and the sport itself is illigal. Where are these dogfights being filmed at? That’s what needs to be investigated, the judge should have never thrown this case out of court.
My heart is just broken over dog fighting and animal cruelty. The fact that the man on the show today doesn’t see anything wrong with what he does is sick. I have rescued abused animals for years and for someone to say those dogs that fight choose to do so is very wrong. I believe animals are like children. They didn’t choose to be here and it’s our job to teach them and keep them safe.
My dogs had nothing but fear in them when I first brought them home. They didn’t know what trust or love felt like. My little pekinese was a dog that they would let chow chows attack to get the taste of blood. I have a Rottweiler who’s prior owner got tired of him so he ran him over with his F250 Truck. The list goes on. I believe that these short prison sentences are just a little slap on the wrist for all these animal cruelty cases and the law needs to get harder on them. I can only pray that as my daughter grows up that the world we live in can be a more loving place and people who commit these crimes get put away s they can’t cause pain anymore.. I must admit Dr. Phil, I watch your show everyday and today is one of the very few times that I have ever had to fast forward through parts because I couldn’t watch the abuse.All I could do was cry and get angry. I thank you Dr. Phil for opening the eyes to the world so they can see what goes on.
I agree that dog fighting is some what barbaric. However, I think people are completely ignorant about the subject. It didn’t help to have Paris Hilton who owns tens of pets (imagine how much attention they get!!!) weighing in. To understand the American Pit Bull Terrier, you have to know about it’s history. I don’t condone dog fighting, but any one who loves this great American breed can’t deny it’s history. The American Pit Bull terrier is one of the greatest athletes on the planet! There’s so many opinions with out any one doing their research on the breed. Why didn’t Dr. Phil include an American Pit Bull Terrier expert on the show to clear up misconceptions? Instead, myths were past on to the audience about the breed. By the way, APBTs are generally friendly and loyal dogs. The dogs that have attacked humans are owned by irresponsible, average pet owners, NOT dog fighters! Many so-called Pit Bull types that attack are NOT even American Pit Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers. They call anything with a boxer like head a pit bull!
Dr. Phil,
I love the guys you had on today’s show, rescue ink!!!! Those guys are the kind of people we need to have more of to save abused animals! They put their own life at risk to save animals from disgusting people like Rob! I honestly wanted to throw up when I watched the tapes of the abused animals, and what they’ve been put through…It totally disgusts me! Nothing that horrible guy, Rob, said made any sense to a humane individual! I honestly think that a the rescue guys should take Rob and one by one beat him down and as he screams, like those dogs yelped, everyone ignores his pain! Maybe then guys like Rob would get the picture of what they are doing to animals! Today’s show was needed but I must say it totally broke my heart to watch what a so called human could do to an innocent animal!
That man is a monster. He seems so proud of his actions. He’s a moron and so is his Lawyer. I can’t believe he only served 6 months is jail. Dog bites hurt. I think he should be locked in a room full of the dogs he forced to do this and let him fight to stay alive. I hope he loses. I am completely disgusted by that man.
Rescue inc you are real men. I applaud you.
Dr. Phil,
I did watch the rest of the show, but I do feel the same way as you do about dogfighting or cockfighting in North America. Yes, like dogfighting, people are illegally training Roosters to fight.
Now for the promoter, why doesn’t the courts put him in a ring with angry pitbulls, german shepards, and/or rotweilers so that he can feel the same pain as all the dogs in his dogfighting rink. They did the same to a woman who threw some kittens in the woods to fend for themselves. Why not the promoter.
Anyway, the promoter should also know that the dogs and roosters that are rescued from this illegal gambling activities are being put down everyday because they are just too aggressive to be pets. He should also know that boxers and wrestlers have had training before they fight and that also means training in being safe. These dogs don’t have any safety when it comes to dogfighting.
Now I have to mention sometime, I am more of a cat lover than a dog lover. But I did feel for that dog in the video. I wish that I would have watched the men who do rescue animals, but I went to another room because of the idiot dogfighting promoter who thinks that this is only a sport.