Cash reward for crime tips

Recent incidents in Oxford County have many people concerned that there may be dogfighting rings operating in our state (“Stolen dogs, gunshots raise suspicion of dog-fighting ring in western Maine,” Sept. 2).

Dogfighting exists in the shadows and out of public view, so it is sometimes hard to detect. Maine law considers animal fighting to be a felony and one that is often associated with illegal guns, drugs and other criminal activity.

The Humane Society of the United States often offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 to anyone who brings forward information that leads to the arrest and conviction of dog-fighters.

Anyone who has information about dogfighting in the community should contact law enforcement directly and have them follow up with us about the possibility of a cash reward.

Katie Lisnik, Portland

Maine state director, The Humane Society of the United States