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
Dr. Phil,
I watched your show about exposing dogfighting, and I have 2 words for you: THANK YOU! As much as I wanted to toss your first guest into a pack of hungry lions and tell him to fight his way out, I could NOT even begin to understand his way of thinking that dogfighting is “natural” and not a bad thing. I had my first experience with a fight between Pit Bulls (not a setup-type) when my first pibble started becoming dog-aggressive around 3 years of age, and she went after my other pibble who was only a year old then. Mortified is a huge understatement of how I felt those few seconds it took me to separate them. I literally threw myself between them, willing to take a bite to save the other. Neither bit me, fortunately. I was, however, forced into a situation of having to enforce permanent separation of my dogs in a home with children. As much as it broke my heart that my girls no longer got along, I refused to let them hurt each other or any other animal. Then I took in a rescued bait dog as a foster, only to have him find his forever home with us anyway. He lost an eye and every ounce of confidence he had before coming into rescue. That was almost 5 years ago. I’ve had these dogs for 10 years, and had them the whole time I was raising kids. My kids are now 12 and 4, and the dogs are part of my family. What I would have loved to see on that episode was more exposure into the rescue and rehabilitation process for these dogs. My Buddy boy was no easy dog…he was terrified of literally everything. Now he is a wonderful family pet. My older girl who has serious dog aggression, is wonderful with cats and people. She simply needs a responsible owner like all the other dog-aggressive Pit Bulls out there. I would also like to refer you to a wonderful website dedicated to the rescuing and educating the public on Pit Bulls. http://www.pbrc.net
Again, thanks for deciding to defend the most misunderstood breed of dog out there
Dr. Phil & Show Staff… I am a huge fan of your show and no mess talk when it comes to topics that need a light shown upon it.. Much like your show on Animal Abuse.. While the show brings an animal lover like myself to tears, I’m so thankful that someone with your market presence can say what what us “Pitbull Lovers” can never say enough.. Don’t BAN the breed, BAN the deed.. Pitbulls while yes are powerful and protective animals, with the right enviroment, love and discipline are productive animals in our society.. Much like people. Treat them with love and respect and you get in return. Thank you for being a voice to so many and educating folks that the animals only do as their taught. Many a thanks can ever touch on what you were able to do in an hour for so so many people and animals. And a million blessings to the folks on your show that dedicate their lives to the health, protection and happiness of all animals..
Dr. Phil,
I watched your show for the first time by accident last night channel checking, I’m so very happy that you aired this horrific “sport” of dog fighting hopefully more people will learn about it and it will stop forever. It broke my heart watching how horrible people can be toward animals. Only thing your show lacked was Big Ant decking that guy would have been a perfect ending.
I’ll be watching your show from now on.
Thanks from all the animals.
I had a hard time watching this show. I hurt deep inside for those dogs. I’m not a hateful person but I had wished at the time someone would have taken a gun to that guys head and put him out of his misery. He has not learned anything. He justifies it all. Believe me he does alot worst to those dogs then he is saying. One of the signs of a serial killer is abuse and killing animals with no thougt to it at all. Where I live big dogs have been stolen out of yards for the purpose of this dog fighting. I have been warned by these people who have their dogs taken to keep an eye on my dog when he goes outside. So everytime my sweet golden retriver goes outside he’s always with me. He doesn’t have the freedom to be in my own back yard. That poor dog on that video was probably someones family pet who had been taken. So everyone if it happens here it can happen anywhere. Please keep an eye on your dog it doesn’t matter what size. Those sick dog fighters look at it all as bate. Ghandi said (and don’t quote me word for word) you can tell the way a country is by the way they treat animals the same goes for people you can tell alot about a person by the way they treat animals. I wanted to thank you Dr Phil for doing a show like this even though it was hard to watch. There needs to be more shows like this people are not aware of this because it is hidden. Also I wanted to thank all of the animal lovers on your show and the animal lovers that have written in with their comments.
Mary
I think that you’re only publishing comments that support Dr. Phil’s view of things.
Dear Dr. Phil:
Thank you for doing the show on animal abuse. Even though it is so hard to watch the videos, it is so important to educate the public to move forward and address this issue rather than making believe it’s not happening.
I applaud you for being able to sit next to that dogfighter and interview him…I don’t think I could have done that!!
I love animals and my dogs are treated as part of the family–if not better!!
I hope you follow up and continue to address this important topic and I hope you can convince some of your peers to do the same.
Thank you very much.
Diane Jano
La Quinta, CA
Ithink dog fighting is awful andi would never do it. I have a little dog that i love almost like a child. But i really hate HYPOCRICY. I would really like to know how many of your audience thinks its okay to kill babies. Probably a lot of them sitting there crying thinks its okay. and probably some have done it..and dr. phil, since you are so soft hearted, why don’t you bring in sme little leg, arms, and other parts of babies that have been torn apart getting them out of the womb? to me there is no comparison to dog fighting. although that is awful. aS A MOTHER I cannot comprehend how a woman can does this. I wonder what children think when they know their mother would have thought it was okay to kill them. MAY GOD FORGIVE US. I BELIEVE OUR COUNTRY IS STARTING TO BE JUDGED BECAUSE OF THIS AND OTHER THINGS THAT ARE SO WRONG. WE HAVE TOLD HIM OVER AND OVER THAT WE DO NOT WANT HIM IN OUR LIKE OR TELLING US HOW TO LIVE. SINCE HE IS A GENTLEMAN I THINK HE IS DOING JUST THAT..
Dr. Phil, thank you. I am an avid animal rescuer, my husband and I have a very large home that we have opened up to 8 cats and 3 dogs, that were abused, or deformed in some way. I have such a hard time grasping how anyone could hurt a creature. I just places a pair of kittens on Saturday that some boys were spinning by the ear. We need to teach our children respect for living things. Thank you for always doing such good, with your fame.
WOW, Its amazing how ignorant some people are!! I have to argue with people pretty much on a daily basis about the facts of a pitbull terrier. I cant stand when people automatically assume that ALL pitbulls are angry aggressive dominate killing machines just because what ignorant people do with them. I have raised inside PET pitbulls for years and have never EVER had one attack me or my children or anyone for that matter. The only problem with pits are that they are super affectionate and want/need alot of attention for their owners. All pits are proven to be is very loyal to their owners and will do ANYTHING to please you and thats why they do actually do fight to the death is because how much they want to please there owner and be loyal. I had a pit puppy that got the parvo virus once and called 10 different veterinarians to see what kinda response i would get from them for me bringing in a pitbull and asked if i neede to muzzle him or what. And out of all ten of them i got the same response, No you dont need to muzzle the dog as long as its not a FIGHTING dog and then went on to say that they see pitbull dogs are just as docile and have the same temperment as a Labrador or a Retriever. So all in all my new motto is, BLAME the OWNERS, NOT THE BREED!!!!!
Dr. Phil:
Unfortunately, I missed your show on Dog Fighthing. After reading the comments here, I am kind of glad I did not see it because it was so emotional. The man that was on your show needs to be arrested. Where are the authorities in all of this now that he has been reveled. What can we (the public) do besides turning in abusers?
DR. Phil I am so impressed that your are shedding light on this awful treatment of these animals. It is a shame that in today’s age people still think abusing our beloved friends is O.K. Well it is not. I applaud you for showing the courage and strength to bring this out to the light. I have tears in my eyes of joy simply because people like yourslef and others are not “seeing no evil, speaking no evil, or talking no evil” thank you so much and now it is up to all people to say “enough is enough no more abuse” Dog fighting is awful they don’t want to fight and if they don’t they are destroyed. This is a critical time in society were we say ” No to any abuse”
Thanks again for doing this for our friends. Another issue is BSL educate yourself on this becoming it is destroying dogs for no reason just based on looks.
I wonder what happened to the poor dog that was in his 1st fight and was crying so badly. Was he rescued when his owner the sadistic monster was arrested or was he killed already? My heart breaks for him. Please do a follow up Dr. Phil this was a great show and that it happens all the time is sickening we really need to shut down all dog fighting in every state and with your help we can. Please let us viewers know what to do and lets unite to stop this atrocity. Have you heard about trunking that they do now too its horrible! Also NC needs legislation to ban the gas chamber and heartstick so that when animals do need to be put down they need to be humanely euthanisized as they are here in FL. Please let us viewers know what became of the dog in the video and what we can do to STOP this thank you. Thank you to Rescue Inc love you show and proud to be a fellow NY er and biker u guys rock u r angels thank u sooooooooooooooooo much!
If you have cable/satellite and can stomach more, watch the “Animal Cops” series on Animal Planet. It’s filmed in Houston, Miami, NYC, Philidelphia, and Detroit, and follows humane law enforcement officers on their daily rounds. Being an animal lover, I’ve watched this program for years – and the neglect and cruelty they showcase NEVER fails to horrify me. Just when you think it can’t get any worse, an officer responds to call about a dog “stuck in a fence” and finds a black lab laying in a yard (neighbors freed it from the fence), near death from starvation. Or how about the horse that was seized outside of Houston with a hole in it’s neck that you could pass your hand through? Even the ASPCA vet was shocked. Then there was house in Detroit that some guy used to hoard cats in (he didn’t live there.) The dwelling was eventually condemned and every cat in that house – save for ONE KITTEN – had to be euthanized because of disease and lack of socialization. And of course the pit bulls NEVER stop coming: scarred and bloody fighting ring veterans that have to be put down most of the time, puppies with construction chains around their necks, sick breeding females, executed dogs in dumpsters. I continue to watch this series, despite the heartbreak and horror, because there are happy endings for many of the animals that are rescued. They do satisfying, joyful follow-ups and also often show court hearings where neglectful/abusive pet owners are prosecuted. That’s why I continue to tune in.
It’s sickening. We have more animal abuse, more child abuse, and more crime than any other industrialized first-world nation on the PLANET. Maybe it’s time to stop making excuses and take an HONEST look at our culture and entire society. Maybe it’s time to stop focusing on the minutiae and wonder why we have so many problems, despite so many advantages.
Thank you so much for doing this show about animal abuse. I think people have no idea how much animals suffer in this country, and around the world. Thanks for having the guts to talk about it on your show. So many celebrities shy away from anything that might be even slightly controversial. But people need to know what’s going on. Thanks again!
Dr. Phil, thank you for airing this show.
Now I ask that you also expose the really bad community animal shelters in this country who are also responsible for some pretty poor animal treatment.
Pit bulls are not for everyone. They are a high maintenance dog in the aspect that they need lots of exercise and activity. If you can’t provide that you have no business owning a pit bull. For those who have posted that they have experienced attacks by pit bulls, blame the owners, not the dogs. Irresponsible ownership is the reason you were attacked. Breed bans don’t work and many communities are learning this after their bans have been in effect for a few years. Some communities have even dropped their pit bull bans and modified their ordinances to strengthen laws they already have in place. Owner education and responsibility is the key to less problems with pit bulls or any breed of dog for that matter.
I do not agree with you in all matters, but I must bow spiritually and give kudos to you for shedding light on this dark and nasty subject matter. Anything I can do to eradicate B.S.L. (breed specific legislation) or the sale of such cruel videos, I would be more than honored!
Thanks A mill,
Gregory Hansen
Dear Dr.Phil. I watched your show yesterday about animal abuse. I must say that I am glad that you brought this to national television. I hope this taping changes some minds of people about this so called “sport”. I was VERY disgusted and appauled at the words that came out of “Rob’s” mouth!!! By the end of the show I was upset, and was crying. This is truly a serious problem. I stand behind you 100%. I have a pug named Roso,and he means the absolute world to me. I will never understand how anybody can harm or abuse animals, they are truly angels sent from heaven. I hope that the ones who are involved in dogfighting and abuse will one day get theirs. I also want to thank “Rescue Ink” for being on the show, I am behind them too! God bless “Rescue Ink”..Thanks again, from a true animal lover….Suzanne.
Dr. Phil- Thank you for not jumping on the band wagon and labeling pit bulls as bad dogs. many dogs are labeled as pit bulls and are not actually the breed at all.
I live in S.E. Kansas and once when I tried to report animal abuse I was informed by an animal shelter some 60 miles away that there is NO ONE in this area to report to but local law enforcement.
I called the local police and they drove by-DID NOT EVEN GET OUT OF THEIR CAR TO CHECK ON A DIEING DOG!
What can be done when resources are limited yo none? I would LOVE to find some way to get some protection in this area.
This a mostly rural area and animal abuse and neglect are rampant.
Thank you for all you do.
Dr. Phil,
I was aware of your show but could not bring myself to watch it. I second everything Jessica had to say. That breed of Dog got a bad rap and it is not fair to them. I myself am an owner of Pittbull and she is the best dog I have ever had. I have had a variety of dogs and she is by far on top. I believe they grow up to be how they are depending on how they were treated. If someone starves them, ties them up, and beats them, then sure they will be vicious. I would be that way. It is unfair to them and I think that this “sport” of Dog fighting is cruel and unheartful. I can’t even imagine throwing my Pitt in a fight and letting her go to her death. I wish there was someway to get these bad people that do this, it is horrible how those dogs have to suffer, as far as your fist guest on the show, I agree with Jessica, him thinking it is like a boxing sport- it is NOT. Maybe if he had done what is done to the dogs, he would have a change of mind. He already seems like he doesn’t have much of a mind to work with. If this is what is life is all about, it must SUCK for him and I would hate to be him. Those dogs don’t have a choice, they depend on us to make good decisions for them, not to treat them cruel and beat them down. I’am totally against dog fighting and hopefully more people watch your show and will report any kind of abuse they see or hear of. I love the Pittbull breed and I will keep spreading the word of what a “Wonderful” camponion one could be. “Thanks” for revealing this kind of abuse, maybe more people will have their eyes opened up.
Dear Dr. Phil,
I watched this show on Animal Abuse in tears. I do not understand the mentality of these people who suppport animal fighting and animal abuse. I am hoping that this show has drawn attention to this issue. I have a 5 year old Pug and he is my “child” for the lack of a better word. I can not imagine anyone doing anything like this to him.
I am a pitbull lover, owner, breeder, Ive raised these wonderful dogs for over 12 years now. I was once afraid of them because of there reputation but soon realized after raising a breeding my own that it really is all in how there raised, that people give them that reputation there only doing what they were thought to do. I lived in Texas when we raised pits and would never sell to anyone we even suspected would fight them there is a huge demand for that down there!! Its sad because when treated right they are the most loyal dog I’ve ever met and I’ve owned a lot of different breads of dogs and pit bulls are the one for me wouldn’t own anything different now!!
I, like everyone else was very disturbed about the show on dog fighting. Being an animal advocate and seeing the abuse everyday that people have inflicted upon animals makes me ashamed to be part of the human race. Trying to reason with the man on your show is futile. He sees no wrong in what he is doing. Unfortunately there are so many just like him! The only thing that MIGHT change his mind is putting him in the cages with fighting dogs. Let him feel the pain they feel.
Until laws are changed and people stop getting away with a slap on the wrist, these atrocities will keep happening. The ruling the Supreme Court made shows that we are still behind the times when it comes to animal rights.
I live in your state of Tx. and this is one of the worst when it comes to animal abuse. There are no laws concerning puppy mills, people sell animals beside the road and at flea markets and animals are euthanized in the blink of an eye.
How do we end this? We all stand up and demand change in the laws. We try to reach out to young children to let them know the value of an animal. We report animal abuse when we see it and not turn a blind eye.
We can make a difference, we just need to start caring enough to do so.
It took me a few hours to watch this. I was in tears but glad that dog fighting was exposed. I am a Licensed Veterinarian Tech. Love my job and love all animals. That guy Rob has some mental issues!!!! He made me so mad I wanted to jump through my TV. I love the fact he has no idea what bait dog was! We have a pitbull that is a client of ours that was a bait dog! And amazing enough the dog is a sweet heart. I think dog fighting is cruel and not a sport. I went to school to help animals and it makes me sad that there are people that are out there thinking this and thinking that it is cool. If I am rambling I am sorry this topic made me so mad and upset.
Those guys from Rescue Ink GOD BLESS THEM. Wish there were more of them
What kind of a parent must Ron be? Is he “teaching” his children the same way he is teaching the dogs? I have so many questions for that poor excuse for a man. How was he raised? Was he beaten, tied up and left unfed? What about a wife? Is she bruised and blooded too? It is public knowledge that animal abuse frequently leads to domestic violence. I’d like to put Ron in a cage with Mike Tyson and see if he thinks it’s fun — especially if he gets his ear bitten off.
This subject is just about the only thing that makes me feel pure hatred.
AS A MEMBER OF PETA AND ASPCA. YOU GO DR.PHIL! I HOPE THEY PUT THAT GUY IN THE JAIL! PERSONALLY, I HAVE 2 DOGS AND THEY ARE SO SPOILED. THEY HAVE TO BE COVERED AT NIGHT. GET TREATS FROM THE TABLE. AND THEY LOVE TO CUDDLE AND GIVE US LOVE. SO MY QUESTION IS: HOW IN THE WORLD CAN ANYONE HURT A PET WHO WANTS LOVE AND MORE LOVE? YOU HAVE ME AT MY SIDE. IF THAT MAN EVER HURT MY DOG, I WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM TAKING HIM TO COURT AND SUING HIM FOR ALL THE MONEY HE HAS! THEN I WOULD TAKE THE MONEY AND GIVE IT TO PETS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO LOVE ANIMALS AND WILL NEVER ALLOW ANOTHER PET TO SUFFER. THE VID ON THE DOG SQUILLING FROM PAIN SENT ME READY TO GO THROUGH THE TV AND BEAT HELL OUT OF THAT GUY. I NEVER FELT SO MUCH ANGER WHILE WATCHING TV. DR. PHIL THIS IS A WAKE UP CALL FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES A PET TO BE BETTER DOG PARENTS. MY DOGS ARE MY WORLD. AND LIKE A HUMAN PARENT, I WILL DO ANYTHING TO PROTECT MY DOGS.
Thank you Dr. Phil for bringing this to light. Very hard to sit and listen to such a complete fool try to talk about this disgusting act as a sport. Also heartbreaking to see that little dog get kicked and then come up to the guy’s knee and get it again. These people are beyond sick. YOU ROCK DR. PHIL KEEP EXPOSING these types of people, it takes powerful people like you to make people listen.
Stopping the explotation of animals is something I cannot support enough.
New fan of RESCUE INC.
I have left two previous comments and yes this is my third I was just reading some of the Blog posts from people still spreading hatred for certain breeds Honestly it’s in the raising and training… I of all people have very good reason to be dog phobic when i was 4 1/2 years old I was attacked by a dog that I had been arround many many times with out incident (my neighbors dog) but this one day it attacked be from behind and ripped face open with out any prior contact or notice of the dog it came out of no-where in the courtyard and jumped on me now I bet many are thinking must be a “bully breed” well you’d be wrong it was a small fluffy family dog i decribe him as a benji dog because that’s what he looked like… I had surgery to repair my face and had nite mares for a very long time and I credit my mother for not letting this become a debilitating fear and for not letting me become like so many other ignorant people that sterio type dogs it’s no better than sterio typing people… All my boys are “bully breeds” Pitt and rotties/shepards” and they are big luv bugs because I raised them right… Don’t find an excuse for your hatred and ignorence try learning somthing by reading and expanding your mind to all of those that think they know dogs… I am very passionate about this topic and appreciate all those who are sharing their stories and continue to advocate for these and other breeds and against the mistreatment of any animal.
Thank you for your show. we, as dog owners appreciate your stance on dog fighting and responsible “ownership”. I consider my Pit Bull a dog, and a member of my family just as my other two dogs are. I also know that they have never been around young children and what their hot buttons are considering other things. It is my responsibility to keep my dogs and and the people they come in contact with safe. I didn’t seek out a particular breed they all found me and I am so happy that one of them happened to be a Pit because she is the most loving dog it is amazing. She also had a year of Chemo for a Mast Cell tumor and did not even have to be sedated for her treatments. She does have to be sedated though every time thunder starts and the fourth of July is torturous for both of us.
Congratulations on your new Granddaughter!
Dr Phil, I want to say thank you so much for your stance and help on animal abuse. I have grew up not really a pet person. But would never want them harmed. Now my wife and I adore our little puppy and she is so much fun. Our stomach was so sick I couldn’t even watch all of the clips. Our hearts go out to all the hurting animals. I could say more but just want to say thank you all you and your staff does. Thanks for being a voice and a platform for animals. God Bless You!
Steven & Felicia and Bella
I have to agree with Sherry, animal planet does put out a great show. They show these poor animals that has been abused an neglected for lord knows how long. But finally someone calls the ASPCA an turns these people in. I watched one of their shows where these people were cock fighting an the law enforcement came out an showed one of the cocks that had already been in a fight an was bleeding to death in a sink. The police came in an asked the man what he had planned to do with it, an the man said that he had plans on giving it medical attention but hadn’t had time to get to it yet. So he went to the fridge an pulled out some medication an gave the cock a shot. Then washed the blood off an wrapped it in a towel an put it back into a cage. They took that man an some others to jail that day an the cock had to be put down because it was injured beyond repair. It’s people like this that needs to be put up under the jails. There needs to be harsher punishments for these people that are abusive to these animals.
As an animal control officer and trainer of other officers I want to thank you for airing this. I have always thought that fighters minds are so difficult to change that resources would be better spent in changing the minds of children. Fighters often see their animals as property and are incapable of seeing a fighting dog as something needing to be treated humanely. The statement of a local shelter killing thousands of animals has no comparison to what your guest does. The shelter is putting unadoptable (sick, injured, aggressive) animals out of their misery humanely. Your guest puts animals into misery and then shoots them. The stories officers could tell would fill volumes….
I DVRrd the show about the man that was into dog fighting and it is absolutely disgusting. How can he say this is a sport when he puts innocent, and unwilling participants in a ring and forces them to fight. He has no empathy for the animals at all. He obviously does not care at all that they are in pain and hurt and speaks nonchalantly about killing 200 dogs. There should be harsher penalties for people like this man because they have no empathy for animals. And people that have no empathy for animals can’t have any empathy for humans either. And that makes them very dangerous.
Dr. Phil,
Why?, just why would someone want to hurt a animal? I think dog fighting is abuse. It’s just not normal. These creatures are brought to the world to help people and be a part of a family. I just wanted to say Thank You for doing a show on animal abuse. I have a love and passion for animals especially for dogs. My family rescued a puppy last summer. What people do to their dogs just make me feel so sick and sad. I wish I could do something for them. Its almost like people have to themselves in the dogs shoes and wonder what they would be saying. Dogs have feeling too. This is how I feel about the topic.
Dear Dr Phil
The show on animal abuse made me cry. I kept seeing the little dog in the elevator giving that beast of a man unconditional love. He kept going back for more and I couldn’t sleep and I kept seeing it over and over again in my mind. Thanks for bringing it to the attention of the public, but it was too much for me to take. That man and the man that fights dogs should go to jail for a long time.
Thanks Dr. Phil, Although what I saw was nothing to the true nature of the event, if it opens people’s eyes to the suffering out there I’m glad. Like so much else in this world it does “take a village”. People to take part, people to overlook & people to get involved both locally & legislatively. Anyone taking part in this activity must be mental issues & emotional issues.
Dr. Phil,
I’ve watched your show since you started. There have been many shows that have been very difficult to watch, but none of them have affected me like the one that aired yesterday on animal abuse and dog fighting. Your show has shaken me to my core. I am so angry and upset with Rob, who was on your show, and had already been arrested for dog fighting. I became very emotional when you showed the video of the dog fight and that poor puppy was crying out in pain (sorry, Rob, that dog may have been scared and I’m sure he was terrified, but when you have another animal sinking its teeth into your flesh, that is called PAIN). Dr. Phil, can you please find that dog? Can you rescue it? Do you even know if it is still alive? Please, if you are able to, get that dog out of there. I will never forget the cries from that dog, looking for someone to help him and realizing no one would. That broke my heart and doesn’t give me much hope for us as a race. What have we become? I can only imagine God looking down upon us, shaking his head in severe disappointment.
I have been so concerned about what happened to the little dog in the elevator, and if it is alive. I would like to have more information about how it is and if I could offer any assistance.
Maxine Waddy
Nova Scotia, Canada
I’m absolutely so disgusted with your first guest that I am speechless. May he reap the evil that he sows before another animal is hurt in the vanity of his ego, his bank account, or twisted murderous mind.
Dr. Phil, you are my hero. I am an animal control officer in Maine and I never get over the abuse I see nor the neglect that people place upon there so called pets. We need more people like you giving these animals a voice. Thanks Paris and Rescue Ink.
I want to say thank you for doing the show. I’m sure it was a real eye opener for alot of people. I only wish more states would pass laws on animal cruelty and neglect. My state says that as long as an animal has food and water there are no laws being broken. What about being chained out in the burning sun? or getting some attention from someone? or how about a bath? People need to be accountable for thier actions!! The man on the show will one day get what’s coming to him. If someone doesn’t give it to him….God will. Dogs or any other domesticated animal does not choose to go into a ring and fight!!!!!! I only pray that people take care of thier animals. I’m sure alot of people wouldn’t be able to sit outside for 8 hours with a coat on and LIKE it! I wish I could start a Rescue Ink!!
Dr.Phil,
I missed your show…but know about the vicious world of dog fighting and animal abuse. I want to thank you for educating people about this. If you can, more shows need to be about puppy mills and to let people know they shouldn’t buy from a pet store but to save a dog’s live and go to a shelter. Common sense things like don’t leave your dog in your car in the summer and they need shade and water when left outside. Chained dogs are more prone to attack and so are dogs that are unaltered. Research breeds before you buy so you can get a dog to match your lifestyle. Microchipping and having tags on your pets too. I wish people had to take an IQ test to have kids and pets. My 6 dogs are very important members of my family. I am an animal lover and advocate.
When I saw that you were finally airing a show about animal abuse I wanted to jump through the television and hug you Dr. Phil. I had written a couple times requesting this type of subject matter in one of your shows, and now I can only plead “more, please.” It is difficult to watch…I’m sure many, many viewers were in tears while this show aired, but it is SO necessary. And believe me, your audience will not lose interest with more shows that delve further into this issue. Abuse goes beyond dogs. The horse slaughter issue has become a huge debate, for example. There are too many horses, some being let lose because of this recession and owners who cannot care for them, and yet where do they go? Unfortunately, the slaughter houses are pure hell. This is just one example.
There needs to be much stricter laws with tougher punishments for animal abusers. Period. We need to come together as a country and step beyond our own human problems to protect the innocents–the animals. As the guys from Rescue Inc. kept saying, they don’t have a voice.
I’m glad you are listening to what your viewers are saying, and that you are willing to tackle such tough issues. There are millions of animal owners in this country, and the majority love their pets. This means a wide audience for your show when it comes to episodes like the one you’ve aired. It also means to follow up and do more. This is so important.
I HAVE A PITBULL NAMED DIESEL AND HE HAS A GREAT TEMPERMENT HE GETS ALONG WITH MY 9 YR OLD DAUGHTER AND 14 YEAR OLD SON. HE IS AN 80LB BABY HE LOVES ATTENTION AND LOVES TO PLAY WITH OTHER DOGS. I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE THEM ON YOUR SHOW TO SHOW HOW WONDERFUL THEY ARE. HE IS VERY SMART AND WILLING TO LEARN.
Dr. Phil….what you did and how you did it is to be commended. Animal abuse, like any abuse, is epidemic in the world today. It can no longer be covered up. Innocent lives depend on everyone’s involvement! THANK YOU DR. PHIL for your spot light on what is sure a very “HOT TOPIC” for a few months, at least! And I am hoping it brings to an end the very real abuses of animals. NOT ONE SOUL WHO WATCHES YOUR SHOW CAN CLAIM IGNORANCE NOW!
Dear Dr. Phil,
Thank you for your good work in addressing the horrors of “dog fighting”. I hope that you and your colleagues will continue to champion this very important social issue. Dog fighting is illegal for a reason! It is not an ultimate sport in which two individuals make an informed decision to get in the ring to fight.
Abusers ought to receive incredibly strict financial penalties, extensive jail time and a lifelong criminal record for their “efforts”. I would also like to see the “Rob’s” of the world put in a cell with a few animal-loving, athletic inmates. Lock the door and see what type of panic they experience. Now, that would be good sport!
I hope you continue to use your high profile to eliminate these horrific acts of violence against helpless and vulnerable dogs. They deserve better.
Please let me know how I can help.
Sincerely,
Susan
I do believe that animals should be free cause they are part of our families too. If people continue to do things like this the animals could die in millions a day and animals can not speak out against animal cruelty and also we can not understand what they are saying but we know that it hurts so that is one thing we can say and do. So if we work together I really think we can make a difference.
Dr. Phil – I am writing about the show I saw yesterday on animal abuse. I am struggling with the video of the dog in the elevator that was beaten by Chris. I do believe that if we don’t know these things exist then we can become ignorant but I really am having a hard time with why that video was shown on your show.
Maybe it was to cause Chris enough grief that he will never be able to go near another animal for the rest of his life but I know that the laws that protect animals are not that good. I have been an active SPCA board director/volunteer for over 12 years and have seen my share of bad things that happen to animals. I just can’t seem to get the image of that poor dog being kicked and I just cry every time I think of it. I really haven’t been so affected by anything like that before. I really am sorry that I saw that.
I think dogfighting is just TERRIBLE. Dogs, by nature just want to please their owner. So, of course – by this trait – the pitbull just wants to please–but at what cost? With blood and/or death, plus the training that does into it and to maintain that attitude.
I just saw for a few seconds that dog in your tape yelping. Even for a few seconds—I couldn’t STAND it! What is wrong with those “people”? I think they just look at the money that they get by doing this. I don’t like horse racing or the greyhound racing, but that must be better than dogfighting.
When I see a pitbull with a big heavy chain around his neck—I would like the owner to have that chain around HIS neck and see how it feels.
These “people”, I can hardly call them people – have crossed-thinking. They come up with all stupid excuses. There is nothing good that comes out of such a sickness.
I am proud to say that my previous dog lived to be 19 years old. Can anyone who does dogfighting – can they proudly say that just one of their dogs lived past – even 10 years?
Dogs are a joy in the right hands. What a joy and comfort to people they are.
We need to speak out and be knowledgeable about dealing with this garbage.
Dr. Phil,
I am so glad you did a show on dog fighting and animal abuse! It’s time this is brought out more for public awareness. We have requested Oprah do a show and never a response for the so-called animal lover. Thank you so much for doing this and hope there are more in the future! There are so many animals sitting in shelters, on death row, and it is just heartbreaking! Thank you again! You are my new favorite talk show host to watch now!
Dr. Phil
THANK YOU, THANK YOU a million times over for doing the show on Animal Abuse. Rob belongs in jail and they should get rid of the key forever, he is NUTS. The show put tears to my eyes, it was pitaful to see animals treated with such abuse, we need to fight for the poor things. Again I thank you!!!!
Valerie