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12 Vick Dogs Headed for Homes

January 25, 2008

©iStockphoto

Nine beagles seized from Michael Vick's property will have a chance at new lives.

They were the forgotten victims of Michael Vick's ghoulish appetites. But not completely forgotten.

New Beginnings

Now, after long months of waiting, 12 needy dogs have emerged from confinement—and with a helping hand from The HSUS—have a second chance at life. With it comes the possibility of finding a home full of love and warmth—not one where cruelty reigned.

These are the dozen dogs who didn't make the headlines last April when authorities swept onto the Surry County, Va., property of NFL quarterback Michael Vick.

Some 50 fighting dogs were confiscated at the scene, and Vick ultimately pleaded guilty to charges related to animal fighting. But a dozen other dogs were also seized on the property.

These animals were held in the Surry County Animal Shelter until November, when they were transferred to the custody of The HSUS. Director of disaster field operations Jeff Eyre described the dogs this way: "Nine beagles, who range in age and demeanor; two rottweilers who just want to be with someone; and a big 120-pound bull mastiff type guy that looks like he should be sitting in a recliner."

©Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

The HSUS moved all the non-fighting dogs seized from Vick's property to the Virginia Beach SPCA for evaluation and adoption.

A Bit of Light

"These 12 dogs are a wonderful symbol of the good that has come from the federal case against the famous football star," said Wayne Pacelle.

"Not only have dogfighters everywhere learned that there is a heavy price to be paid for their crime—and an interstate dogfighting network has been shut down—but 12 dogs wil now almost certainly find loving homes."

The tragedy of cases like Vick's is that fighting dogs are bred through generations for their unstoppable violence and are not the kinds of animals who can be rehabilitated as pets.

As was disclosed in the investigation of Vick's Bad Newz Kennels, dogs who failed to display enough fighting spirit were killed. In contrast, these 12 dogs were not bred or trained as fighters and therefore may be ideal candidates for placement in homes.

Homeward Bound

After taking custody of the dozen dogs, The HSUS transported them to the Virginia Beach SPCA in Virginia Beach, Va., for evaluation and potential adoption.

"After being seized from the property and enduring months of uncertainty, these gentle dogs deserve a life curled up on someone's couch," said Surry County Animal Shelter manager Tyrone Franklin.

See the Video

Dogfighting

Congratulations to U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg

Vick's Co-defendants Illuminate the Dark World of Dogfighting

Dogfighting Raids Increase after Vick Indictment

The HSUS Calls on the NFL to Stop Fumbling on Dogfighting