It saddened us to learn about the arrests Friday of three men and one juvenile for allegedly fighting dogs.

This is the 21st century and this type of brutal behavior has no place in our society.

If these men are found guilty, then they should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

We would urge our judicial leaders to make an example here and to send a clear and confident message that this type of behavior will never have a place in Butler County.

We realize that dogs die every day, but we ask if it is right to stick a gun to one's head and simply pull the trigger.

It takes a really brave man or woman to do that.

To those who participate in barbaric acts similar to these, let this be the line in the sand.

You'll get caught and we hope you quickly realize the next dog you'll see for a long, long time will be the guard dogs walking your cell block at the state penitentiary.