"It's so valuable:" 7th annual Ride to End Dogfighting rumbles into Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- It's cruel, barbaric and it happens here in Milwaukee. Dogfighting has been a problem in the past and a local organization is doing what it can to put an end to it.
Ride to End Dogfighting
There was a reverberating rumble on W. Layton Avenue Saturday morning, June 25th. More than 100 bikes peeled into the roadway for the seventh annual "Ride to End Dogfighting."
"I'm incredibly passionate about it," said Michelle Serocki, Executive Director of the Brew City Bully Club.
Serocki is heading up the rally at the House of Harley-Davidson.
Ride to End Dogfighting
"It's so valuable. It's an unknown or unrealized, important cause we need to bring awareness to it. Get more involvement, get more money raised for the charity and also stop this violence against the animals," said Mark McClain, House of Harley-Davidson.
Serocki says street fighting is an issue in Milwaukee.
"There was a large bust in 2011 with about 25 dogs, and in 2014, again in the 20s of dogs that were rescues from those dogfighting busts," said Serocki.
Ride to End Dogfighting
The club was able to rescue dogs from both instances. The advocacy organization does a lot for the health and awareness for proper dog treatment -- especially pit bulls.
"We do a lot of low-cost spay/neuter health clinics where we give out rabies shots, distemper shots, do a lot in the inner city helping people provide better care for their dogs," Serocki said.
Serocki says it's vital to focus on the youth.
Ride to End Dogfighting
"This is may 13-17, or maybe in their early 20s and they are fighting in backyards, alleyways, basements, sometimes they are doing it for resources," said Serocki.
The group tries to influence behavior early.
Ride to End Dogfighting
"We work with inner-city youth and help them find alternatives to fighting their dogs. A lot of them don't realize that this dog can be their best friend once they start to bond with it, they don't want to hurt it anymore," said Serocki.
Saturday's event was a great turnout as folks revved up to support programs and help put an end to dogfighting.
A portion of the proceeds from the event which included food, drinks, vendors, door prizes and raffle will go towards the program.