Ask Google to Remove Dog Fighting App

Google has launched The Dog Wars app for the Android smart phone operating system, which allows users to train, feed, fight virtual dogs, and raise your dog to be a winning fighter. One navigates the game building "street cred", earning cash (to buy steroids), warding off police heat  and entering dog fights. The idea is to play well enough to create a champion dog!

I know it is not a real fight and that the first amendment protects such speech, but, I believe we should demand that Google remove the app.

This app actually takes the player through a "how to" course in entering the world of dog fighting. Aside from the concern that young players, especially those who live in communities where this type of activity occurs are more likely to emulate the game and "try it at home".  Since it is a free phone app rather than an expensive store bought video game, children as young as first grade, many who now have smart phones, can have access to the game without any adult supervision or discussion of the issues. This app also allows chats with other players which could allow real dog fighters and children to converse with each other, as it is likely that those involved in the real thing could also communicate about real fights through this game.

Finally, this game features the nastiest looking pit bulls (which can be made even meaner) further adding to their already sullied reputation, and a dog fighting star quarterback notwithstanding, glorifies the fighter.

The Android Marketplace acknowledges that there will be controversy and says, among other things, on the download page  "Just because something is illegal in real life in certain countries, does not mean it is illegal to make a song, movie, or video game about it."

Just because you legally can do something, doesn't mean you should.

Please join me in asking that this app be removed by clicking here http://www.google.com/support/androidmarket/bin/request.py?contact_type=takedown or by emailing
press@google.com.

Thank you.

UPDATE:  Our voices were heard!  As of April 27, Google REMOVED the dog-fighting app from it's game page.   However - keep an eye on the app DOG BUCKS which appears to be an add on to Dog Wars. We need to make sure the dog fighting app doesn't get hidden there.