Did you know that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month? There are all sorts of ways we humans exhibit animal cruelty, but one of the worst is dog fighting. What makes me most mad about dog fighting is the fact that it's simply for "fun." Animals are tortured repeatedly–both psychologically and physically–for the entertainment and monetary folly of twisted individuals. Please join me in helping the ASPCA® with their #GetTough Movement in time for National Dog Fighting Awareness Day (NDFAD) on April 8th, 2015 and enter our #GetTough Giveaway.

By joining us to help the ASPCA #GetTough on Dog Fighting, you support them as they work to eradicate dog fighting by assisting in raids and rescues alongside law enforcement agencies and by advocating for stronger laws and sentencing for those involved in dog fighting.

The ASPCA has made it simple for us to help:

1. Get the toolkit. Fill out a simple form on the ASPCA web site to get your FREE #GetTough toolkit, which includes a #GetTough micro-poster and images to post on social media. There is also a printable poster, so you can take a selfie with your pooch to help spread the word.

2. Take action. Right there on that very same page, you can click to sign the ASPCA's petition to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), asking it to prosecute dog fighters with greater frequency in 2015 and beyond.

3. Learn more. The ASPCA's Fight Cruelty section has a wealth of information about their work to end dog fighting. You can read about recent dog fighting raids and rescues as well as learn about breed-specific legislation.

But before you go, enter our #GetTough Giveaway for your chance to win:

• No One Wins in a Dog Fight t-shirt

• ASPCA frisbee

• #GetTough on dog fighting sticker

• ASPCA bumper sticker

• Fight Cruelty wrist band

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SUPPORT THE ASPCA'S #GETTOUGH ON DOG FIGHTING CAMPAIGN BY CLICKING HERE.

What are your thoughts on dog fighting?

aspca launches mobile app

help the aspca raise awareness about dog fighting

keeping pets safe in cold weather with help from the aspca

help fight breed-specific legislation in arizona

animal farm foundation and the majority project

I have known several Pit Bulls who were sweet, smart family dogs, yet one of my own dogs was a victim of a Pit Bull attack. I have played ball and kissed many a Jack Russell Terrier, yet, as I type this, my thumb is numb from being bitten by one just a few months ago. I am a firm-believer in judging a specific dog and owner, not a breed.

Best Friends Animal Society notified me that Senator Steve Smith in my home state of Arizona has introduced S 1292, which would prohibit local government in cities and towns from over-regulating our pets by passing laws that would restrict the type of dog a responsible dog owner can keep. They state:

The ability of responsible pet owners to care for any breed of dog they want is a right that should never be infringed upon by the government. Public safety ordinances should focus on the behavior of individual dogs and their owners, not the breed. Arbitrarily singling out dogs based on breed not only fails to address the public safety concerns at issue, but it is hugely expensive and violates our individual property rights.

If S 1292 passes, Arizona will be the 20th state to say no to breed-specific legislation.

Join me in asking our state senator and representative to support S 1292. Best Friends Animal Society has created an easy-to-submit online form that you can access and edit by clicking here.

Thank you for joining the fight against breed-specific legislation.

Dog photo source: nylabone.com