Group offers Oklahomans rewards for reporting animal fighting

The Humane Society of the United States is launching a reward program for Oklahomans who report cases of cockfighting and dogfighting.

The program was launched Monday during a ceremony at the state Capitol. It will pay up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a cockfighter or dogfighter.

Cynthia Armstrong, state director of The Humane Society, says dogfighting and cockfighting not only hurts the animals but is bad for the communities where they occur.

She said those who suspect someone is holding animal fights in their neighborhood should call The Humane Society at 202-452-1100. The identity of those who call will be protected.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson says cockfighting and dogfighting rings are generally hotbeds for other types of illegal activity, including gambling, drugs and illegal weapons.

Dogfighting has been illegal in Oklahoma since 1982. Cockfighting was outlawed by a statewide vote of the people in 2002. Both crimes are a felony.