I’d like to encourage everyone to listen to this very informative NPR radio feature story on illegal dog fighting. In this Fresh Air spot, Dave Davies talks with John Goodwin, Humane Society manager of animal-fighting issues, and Sean Moore, a Chicago-based former dog-fighter who works in that city on the Humane Society’s efforts campaign to end dog-fighting in that city.

You should be warned that much of this interview includes some very graphic descriptions of animal cruelty. What is most interesting is that this story puts forward some very startling statistics on how many people are involved in dog fighting. Granted, all those involved admit that it’s nearly impossible to get an accurate count as to how many people are involved in dog fighting.

Also interesting, and thoroughly revolting, is a description of rules, lingo, and rituals involved in organized dog fighting. It also lays out some forms of “cheating” including rubbing poison into a dog’s fur to handicap the opposing dog.

In sum, if just the mere concept of dog fighting enrages you, then this interview will likely put you over the edge. That said, I encourage all of you to listen. It’s important for everyone to know about the many levels of dog fighting ranging from the chaotic world of street fighting to the highly-organized higher echelons of dog fighting.

As much as I know about pit bulls and dog fighting, this interview contained a few nuggets of information that startled me. Give it a listen, and then donate or volunteer for your local pit bull rescue.

Click here to listen to “After Michael Vick, The Battle To Stop Dog-Fighting.”