Know of an animal fighting operation in the Inland Northwest or elsewhere?

A national tip line launched recently by the Humane Society of the United States wants to hear from you.

The organization started the tip line after busting a multi-state dogfighting ring.

Read a story on the raid, which the Humane Society said was the largest dogfighting raid in the nation, here.

Dogfighting gained national attention when NFL star Michael Vick was convicted in 2007.

All 50 states now classify the crime as a felony. But less than two years ago, Idaho was one of two states that didn't. The Idaho Legislature changed that last year in a story you can read here.

A dogfighting ring busted in Spokane Valley in April 2007 underscored the presence of the problem in the area.

The Human Society is offering rewards of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to convictions for dogfighting or cockfighting.

“Animal fighting is a cruel, criminal activity, and we plan to root it out in every dark corner where it festers,” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO, said in a news release. “We encourage anyone with information about animal fighting crimes to call this tip line to help us put violators in jail and to put a stop to cruelty.”

The hotline's number is 877-TIP-HSUS (847-4787).

---

---