A poster advertises the new hotline
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States, has opened a 24-hour hotline to receive tips about dogfighting.
Rewards of up to $5,000 will be given for tips leading to arrests or convictions involving dogfighting. Callers can provide tips on a dog fighting ring, an upcoming dog fight or an individual who is involved in dog fighting. Calls about dog fights actually in progress should go to 911, said DA Steve Cooley.
He added that he expects the tips received will be “a starting point for major criminal investigations” into such crimes as drug dealing, weapons possession and illegal gambling.
The hotline’s number is (877) NO2-FITE. “Obviously we’re not great spellers,” joked Cooley, “but you get the message.”
Jennifer Fearing of the HSUS said, “Never before have we seen such a dedicated effort to bring together law enforcement, public organizations and private citizens to establish a countywide tip line that will be the first line of defense against this barbaric crime.”
