Crimestoppers Takes Bite Out of Dog Fighting

Memphis, Tn - Crimestoppers is trying to take a bite out of dog fighting and they have 1000 reasons they think the plan will work.

Crimestoppers of Memphis and Shelby County are giving up the $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest and prosecution of people involved in dog-fighting. And they're going to pay out for up to 10 tips.

The Crimestoppers director, Buddy Chapman says dog-fighting is a problem in this area and he says people are now "trunking." That's where they put dogs in the trunks of cars, turn up the music and let them fight until one is dead or almost dead. It's a horrifying crime, they want to put a stop to.

"I think it's a big problem, I think it's a big problem."

Chapman says he's received between 25 and 30 tips about dog-fighting in the last 3 or 4 months.

"Dog fighting terrorizes a whole neighborhood and these are very dangerous people involved in this activity."

Chapman says recent events shed light on the subject and an anonymous donor gifted $10,000 to the cause, enough to reward 10 tipsters.

"After the issue came up with the rotary report and other things, these individuals felts so strongly that attention was not being paid to it this individual called and said they wanted to put up money paid out in $1,000 increments."

The rotary report of the Memphis Animal Shelter, alleged some shelter employees had ties to dog-fighters.
Chapman cited an incident at the shelter in 2007 where 46 pit bulls were seized as part of a dog-fighting ring. The next day, they were stolen from the shelter.

Chapman says, "There were no signs of forced entry had to be someone at the shelter who let them in and let that happen."

Animal advocate Beverly King says, "I think it's absolutely amazing there are other citizens in the community that would step up and do something."

King says she thinks the reward, along with the timing of it, could help police take a bite out of crime.

"That's a lot of money with the economy the way it is now and Christmas hopefully it will open up some mouths."

Chapman says, "If we get 3 good solid tips on big dog fighting rings actually it will but a big dent in it."

And Chapman reiterates, Crimestoppers tips are anonymous.

"We don't know who you are and we don't want to know who you are."

Chapman says when the reward is paid out, they ask 2 questions, your tip number you're given when you first call and what you called about and that's all you have to answer.

The number to Crimestoppers is 528-CASH.