A 24-hour tip line and reward program targeted at eliminating dog fighting will be launched on Tuesday 11/17/2009. The program is said to be the first of its kind in the nation. Anyone providing information leading to the arrest or conviction of parties involved in dog fighting could receive rewards up to $5,000 with the identity of the caller to be kept anonymous. Tips can be given in English and Spanish and will be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for follow up and investigation. The Humane Society estimates that as many as 40,000 people follow dog fighting in the United States and more than 250,000 dogs suffer each year as a result of such activities.