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Ride Held To Protest Animal Abuse

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- After a rash of high-profile animal abuse cases in Baltimore City, a group of law enforcement professionals wants to keep it from happening again.

Mike Schuh shows us their unique plan.

We've seen them burned, stabbed, beaten and abused. But who knew they had friends that favor the skull and bones?

But this group of law enforcement professionals is arriving on a mission. Looking more like bandits than do-gooders, the group known as "Peace Keepers" is serious about animal abuse.

"We are trying to call attention to all of the animal abuse that has been happening in Baltimore City," said Detective Derrick Layton of Peace Keepers Motorcycle Club.

This is a ride to attract neighborhood kids.

"There is an awful lot of pinpoints in East Baltimore for animal abuse. So if people who come to the event today recognize what the situation is and go home and reinforce not participating in it," Ann Gearhart, of the Snyder Foundation for Animals, said.

"We believe there is a correlation between abusing animals and seeing it at home, and growing up and committing violent crimes," Layton said.

In Baltimore, pit bulls see a lot of abuse. And like not judging these riders by the way they look, this member wants all dogs to not be judged by their name or looks.

"We're out here supporting the community non-violence against animals and I have a pit bull and we get a bad name so I came out to support my community and my club," said Steve Henry.

"If we can break the cycle with at least one child, then we've achieved our goal today," Layton said.

In June of next year, all on the same day, motorcycles clubs from around the nation will stage a similar ride as the one in East Baltimore on Saturday.

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