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Florida Creates Tip Line To Report Animal Fighting

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TBO.com

Published: December 29, 2008

There's a new way to report organized animal fighting, and it could lead to a reward of up to $5,000.

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum announced the creation of a new tip line today. Tipsters can call 1-877-TIP-HSUS (1-877-847-4787) to report cruelty to animals.

"Animal fighting is a cruel and criminal behavior often associated with gang activity and other violence," McCollum said in a news release. "Now Floridians will have an easy, anonymous way to help make their neighborhoods safer and perhaps receive a substantial reward for their efforts."

The toll-free line was established in Georgia by the Humane Society of the United States and the security firm Norred & Associates. Once investigators ensure the tip is true, they work with law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute the animal fighters. The callers' identities are protected, McCollum says.

The Humane Society's tip line was set up after the dogfighting case involving former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. Since it was created in January, the Georgia tip line has received more than 1,000 calls, leading to seven raids and 11 arrests, the news release said.

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