"Safe, Humane Chicago" to work to prevent animal abuse

September 6, 2007 (WLS) -- Animal rights activists and community groups are working with the Chicago Police Department in an effort to prevent dog fighting.

They announced Thursday that they are forming a group called 'Safe, Humane Chicago'.

The group will publicize statistics showing that those who abuse animals are also likely to abuse people.

"70 percent of the convicted dogfighting and animal abusers have also been arrested for violent felonies against humans," said Cynthia Bathurst of 'Safe, Humane Chicago'. "Worse than that, 86 percent of them had multiple felonies in their backgrounds."

"These, in general, are bad folks," said Bathurst.

"Violence breeds violence," said 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett. "We're totally against violence. When young people see violence going on, they become immune to violence, and they want to proceed to do it themselves."

'Safe, Humane Chicago' will host education programs, encourage people to report animal abuse, and teach children and adults how to avoid attacks by dogs.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•