The Humane Society of the United States and the Hip-Hop Journalism Association are pleased to announce the launch of their Hip-Hop for Hounds Anti-Dogfighting College Tour, which will kick off on Friday April 18^th.  The event, sponsored by the Sisters of the Alpha Omega Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, will be held in the Moore Auditorium at Florida State University.

Tio Hardiman, HSUS anti-violence advocate and dogfighting consultant, will address the topic of "Dogfighting and the Hip-Hop Culture." Hardiman has toured the country speaking on gun violence and animal cruelty to the nation's youth and inner city communities.

"It is good to see the Hip-Hop community rally round this issue of dogfighting — we need leaders from all sectors of society to help raise awareness about the plight of pit bulls throughout America," Hardiman explained. "The average life span of a pit bull in the inner city is 18 months — let's work together to change that reality."

Other colleges hosting tour will include the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Shaw University, University of Missouri – St. Louis and the University of Michigan. The first tour stop will consist of a town hall meeting followed by a panel discussion. The event's finale will be an open-mic hip-hop contest with prizes awarded to the best raps against dogfighting.

Dr. Brian Sims, director of the Hip-Hop Journalism Association, has been helping to encourage the presence of The HSUS within the Hip-Hop community. "I applaud the Humane Society of the United States for proactively challenging stereotypes about dogfighting in Hip-Hop culture; they are a leader in educating not just Americans but the world about this issue and its implications for Hip-Hop," Dr. Sims said. "The HHJA is proud to partner with The HSUS in the struggle to end dogfighting."

Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. The HSUS offers a reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of dogfighters. It is estimated that over 140,000 people participate in dogfighting throughout the United States.

For further information on the Hip-Hop for Hounds Anti-Dogfighting College Tour please visit hhja.org or humanesociety.org.