Tanya Hilgendorf is the executive director of the Humane Society of Huron Valley, a non-profit organization dedicated to adopting animals into good homes and investigating animal cruelty. Hilgendorf has been at HSHV for three years and holds a masters degree in social work.
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How widespread is the problem of animal cruelty within the area covered by HSHV?
Animal cruelty is very common in Washtenaw County. We investigated more than 400 cases last year alone, and 2,350 over the last five years. Although there are many animal lovers in our community, there are also many disturbed people who intentionally hurt animals; opportunistic people who profit off of animal suffering; and apathetic people who overlook animal suffering (even that of their own pets).
But there are also otherwise good people who get in over their heads, perhaps who are experiencing economic hardship or a personal crisis, and their pets, dependent upon them, pay a price.
With Michigan's economic downtown, animal abandonment has been on the rise. We also see a lot of people whose animals are starving because they say they can't afford to feed them Like many social problems, animal cruelty increases when the economy falters.
How widespread is the problem of dogfighting within the area covered by HSHV?
Dogfighting is very common. Popularized by sports figures, video games, and rap music, sadly, it is has become a trendy pastime. But it is also still very underground—making it difficult to investigate.There are professional dog fighters who make a lot of money off of this cruel blood sport, and then there are the street fighters who do it for an adrenaline rush and a little extra cash.
In some parts of our county, going to a dog fight is a considered a fine Friday night date or family event. There was recently a survey done in Chicago where one out of four kids said they'd seen a dog fight. Detroit is also hot bed for dog fighting and that activity bleeds into our county.
What are some of the more common types of problems that are reported to HSHV, how about some of the more extreme?
Animal cruelty typically falls into one of two categories: passive or active. Passive cruelty covers cases of neglect, where the animal may be deprived of food, water, shelter or needed medical attention. Most of our cases fall into this category strictly because this is the type of abuse that is often seen by the neighbors.
It is important to remember that neglect can also cause severe suffering—we commonly see animals that have been starved, have a collar imbedded in their necks, or have frozen to death. Animal hoarding is also common and is usually associated with a serious mental illness.
Active abuse is when people intentionally hurt, torture or kill an animals and is usually connected to psychopathic behavior or family violence. Hurting a pet is a common way for someone to intimidate or threaten another adult or child.
While it is animal cruelty is a crime that is perhaps more widespread among the economically disenfranchised, it is certainly not uncommon among the more affluent. Animal lovers come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, as do the cruel and apathetic.
How does a typical dog fighting ring operate?
Dogfighters typically start by researching lineage of dogs to purchase. They then put the dogs through lengthy conditioning and training to prepare them for fights. From there they look for fights in the area, using underground avenues of communication. Then they either host a fight or join a "show." Locations are highly secretive and are not spoken of until the night of the fight. Dogs are matched with others of similar weight. Based on how many fights their dog wins a status title is given.
5. How well organized are the dog fighting rings typically? And what kind of investigation and resources are needed to investigate dog fighting rings?
Professional dogfighting is extremely organized. The growing fad has been among street fighters, which is not very organized.
An investigation team with extensive knowledge and expertise in dogfighting is critical. The signs of dog fighting can and are often missed by those without adequate training. The team also needs to be given the time it takes to do this work and cooperation and support from other authorities.
What kind of people are usually associated with dog fighting rings? Are there any similar factors in cases that you have seen like economic status, education or family background?
I would not say there is one type of person involved in dog fighting. There are people of all sorts involved, even upper income professions who you would never guess would be a part of such a thing.
However, professional dogfighting is very commonly associated with drug and weapons dealing. Historically, dogfighting has been isolated to southern, rural areas, but it has spread throughout the United States and is now prevalent in urban areas. It is also something that is passed down through generations.
Many dogfighters today will tell you they remember going to dog fights as children.
What can residents do to help against animal cruelty and dog fighting?
Obviously we can't be everywhere. We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears, and to speak for those that can't speak for themselves. If you see suspected animal cruelty call us at 1-734-662-5585 x112. If you want to make an anonymous tip regarding dog fighting call our tipline at 1-734-662- 5585 x411 .
We all need to encourage lawmakers to pass tougher laws and encourage our judicial system to give stronger penalties to offenders. Again, the animals need us to speak for them.
But also be patient with us as the Humane Society. We can only do what the our resources and the law allows us to do. There are many things that the people don't think is right, but if the law doesn't back it up, there is little we can do aside from education. For example, few animal lovers like to see dogs living exclusively outside with no companionship. But if the owner is following the letter of the law, our hands are tied. Many people are troubled by the exploitation and abuse of agricultural animals, but few laws exist to protect these animals.
Support our Cruelty Investigation Department. This Department is 100 percent funded by private donations. We do not receive any government assistance or help from any other animal welfare organization for our work investigating or prosecuting animal cruelty.
Do you think that the issue of dog fighting has been brought more to light ever since the Michael Vick case?
I think that the Michael Vick case brought much needed attention to this issue. But I still don't see our policy makers and judicial system taking any great action to stop it.
Recently, after months of investigation by HSHV, we won a felony conviction related to dog fighting. The guilty party received two years probation and mandatory counseling. I don't think that sends a very strong message.
Right now, except for the work being done by HSHV, we seem to be a pretty friendly community for dogfighters. We need an educated and engaged law enforcement community.
I can think of a few simple laws that could be created tomorrow that would make Washtenaw County more inhospitable to dog fighters. Mandatory spay/neuter laws would also help. A sterilized dog, unless being used for bait, is useless to a dog fighter. Anti-chaining ordinances would also make a difference. It's pretty difficult to keep 22 fighting dogs inside your house.
These are ordinances being passed in other progressive communities—changes that could help prevent dog fighting and improve animal welfare overall.
I also hope the Vick case brought some attention to the plight of pitbulls. Pitbulls were once America's favorite dog, known for their good nature, loyalty and sense of humor. Dogfighters have long used and abused this breed.
Other irresponsible owners breed them to earn an extra buck or own them just to look tough. In the meantime, the media has created a mass fear about these dogs, creating terror among the average person and causing communities to want to ban them.
Of course there are some dangerous pitbulls, but they are the product of their environment. We see so many good family dogs that wouldn't hurt a flea that have to be put down because everyone is afraid of them. It's a tragedy.
Should the state devote more resources to organizations like the HSHV in order to combat animal cruelty?
YES! YES! YES! I say this not just as an animal lover, but as someone concerned about the overall health and safety of our community. Animal cruelty has been repeatedly proven to be linked to violence against people. A large percentage of people convicted of assault, rape and murder started their careers by hurting animals. Up to 70 percent of victims of domestic violence say they had a pet that was hurt or killed by their assailant. People involved in crimes against animals, like dog fighting, are commonly involved in drug dealing, gang related activity, and other crimes.
Children who have been abused often repeat that abuse on animals—it's a cry for help. We had a case where a 12-year-old boy severely beat a dog. The judge let him off without a hook—not even counseling. That child, now an adult, was recently charged with rape. Understanding and doing more to stop violence against animals benefits us all.
Whate drives you?
I have two passions—protecting the vulnerable and non-profit excellence (the latter being an essential vehicle to achieve the former). I have always been a huge animal lover and believe that like children, companion animals are vulnerable and completely dependent upon us for their well-being. At the same time, they bring so much joy to our lives and also help keep us healthy (as research now shows). I feel quite strongly that it is our obligation to take responsible care of them.
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