Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick Indicted for Dogfighting |
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July 17, 2007
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| ©The HSUS |
| Fighting dogs suffer serious injuries—if they survive at all. |
A federal grand jury indicted Atlanta Falcons celebrity quarterback Michael Vick and three others on felony dogfighting charges July 17. The indictment follows a three-month investigation of an alleged dogfighting operation uncovered at Vick's property in Surry County, Va.
Vick and the three co-defendants are charged with violating federal laws against competitive dogfighting, procuring and training pit bulls for fighting, and conducting the enterprise across state lines.
"Dogfighting is a serious federal and state crime, and enforcement authorities have treated this investigation with the seriousness it deserves," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. "We will continue to work with law enforcement with the intention of bringing to justice any individual who contributed to this cruel and violent treatment of animals."
"Now that Michael Vick has been indicted, the NFL should not hesitate to suspend him," added Pacelle.
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"In or about March of 2003, Peace [one of Vick’s co-defendants], after consulting with Vick about the losing female pit bull's condition, executed the losing dog by wetting the dog down with water and electrocuting the animal."
- Read more from the indictment [PDF] |
On April 25, authorities seized 52 pit bulls from Vick's Surry County property, where they also found equipment used in dogfighting operations, including a "rape stand" used for forced breeding, treadmills, drugs to enhance fighting performance and a bloodstained fighting pit.
Dogfighting is a cruel blood-sport in which two dogs are pitted against each other in a fight to the death, or until one dog cannot continue. They are trained to be vicious—sometimes confined in trunks or closets, fed gunpowder, or beaten—all for the amusement of spectators and high-priced wagering. Fights can last for hours, as the dogs are trained to continue even after disabling wounds are inflicted.
According to court documents regarding Vick's case, even if the losing dogs survived they met a cruel fate, "sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method."
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 Dogfighting is a dead end for any person participating in it, and there's nothing hip or cool about it. More»
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These documents, filed in the U.S. District Court in Richmond, thoroughly describe the nature of dogfighting on Vick's property and suggest that one or more informants guided investigators on two recent raids. Authorities say the dogs were bathed immediately before fights to make sure their coats were not tainted with a poison that could unfairly thwart the opponent.
What You Can Do
Leave a message with NFL Public Relations at (212) 450-2000 and ask the NFL to suspend Michael Vick immediately. Then send a follow-up email.
Updated July 18, 2007.
Related Links
The President Signs Landmark Animal Fighting Legislation
Dogfighting Fact Sheet
