Watch Tip for Week of Oct. 3:

As you travel country roads, watch for signs of fighting dogs tied out to posts or trees in fields and forests, without human habitation nearby, often without shelter. They are neglected and need help. They can die in severe weather. Call any authorities you trust to uphold compassionate animal welfare standards.

Some dog fighters don’t keep their dogs at home…

Because they don’t want to arouse suspicion about participating in an illegal sport, some dog fighters don’t keep their fighting dogs at home. They chain them to posts. They hide them in fallow fields, patches of woods, dry creek beds. Or they may hide them in long-vacant buildings. Before dawn or after dark, the owners stealthily feed and water their animals every few days. Unbelievably, they will even raise litters of puppies in these terrible conditions.

If you happen to drive by someone headed into a field or woods and toting a bucket or two, take notice. Come back  later. If that person is gone, holler out loudly and see if you can raise a bark or two coming from that same direction. Talk to any nearby neighbors as well. If you become convinced that dogs are being kept in remote locations away from human habitation, you must take action. These dogs are in danger of dying from exposure, from neglect, from sickness, or from attack by larger predators. Call any authorities you trust to uphold compassionate animal welfare standards.