Michael Vick Pit Bulls: A Look Back at the Dog Fighting Scandal

Michael Vick's dog fighting scandal was a shocking revelation that sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community. In 2007, Vick pleaded guilty to funding and participating in a dog fighting operation at his property in Virginia.

The investigation, led by the Humane Society of the United States, uncovered a gruesome operation where dogs were brutally trained and fought to the death. More than 50 dogs were seized from the property, many of which were Pit Bulls.

Vick's involvement in dog fighting was a stark contrast to his public image as a NFL quarterback. The scandal led to widespread outrage and calls for Vick's resignation from the Atlanta Falcons.

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Michael Vick's involvement in dogfighting began in 2001, when he and three associates started "Bad Newz Kennels" in Surry County, Virginia. They purchased a property where they set up a dogfighting operation.

The men built a fence to conceal their activities and buried car axles with heavy chains to secure fighting dogs. This method prevents the chain from tangling.

In 2007, Vick and his associates executed approximately 8 dogs that didn't perform well in "testing" sessions by various methods, including hanging, drowning, and slamming.

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Michael Vick was charged with violating Virginia state law, specifically a Class 6 felony for promoting dogfighting and a Class 6 felony for engaging in animal cruelty. He was also charged with promoting dogfighting, along with his co-defendants Peace and Phillips.

In November 2008, Vick and his co-defendants each pled guilty to one felony count of dogfighting, with the cruelty to animals charges dropped. They received a three-year suspended prison term, a $2,500 fine, and court costs.

Here's a breakdown of the charges and sentences:

Michael Vick was also ordered to pay $928,073 in restitution for the 53 dogs seized from his property and fined $5,000.

During the State Investigation, authorities discovered a disturbing scene on Vick's property. They found approximately 54 dogs, mostly pitbulls, some with scars and injuries, and most were underfed.

The conditions were so dire that about half of the dogs were chained to car axles and just out of reach of each other, a typical arrangement for fighting dogs. A blood-stained fighting area was also uncovered, along with animal training and breeding equipment.

This equipment included a "rape stand", a device in which a female dog who is too aggressive to submit to males for breeding is strapped down with her head in a restraint. A "break" or "parting" stick, used to pry open fighting dogs' mouths during fights, was also found.

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On September 24, 2007, a Surry County grand jury brought charges against Michael Vick and three associates for their involvement in dogfighting.

The charges included violating VA Code Ann. § 3.1-796.124, which makes it a Class 6 felony to promote dogfighting for amusement, sport, or financial gain.

Peace, Phillips, and Taylor were charged with promoting dogfighting, while Taylor was also charged with three counts of unlawful torture and killing of dogs, and Peace was charged with one count.

Each of these charges is a felony with a maximum 5-year prison term.

A total of eight possible additional counts of animal cruelty were declined by the grand jury.

Here are the charges brought against the defendants:

These charges were brought five months after the initial investigation into the dogfighting operation.

In 2007, the U.S. District Court appointed Rebecca J. Huss as the guardian/special master to advise on the final disposition of 48 seized dogs.

Rebecca J. Huss recommended that the dogs be dispersed to eight rescue organizations for adoption, rehabilitation, or lifetime care in sanctuaries.

The ASPCA animal behavior team assessed the dogs and found a mixed bag of temperaments, with fewer than a dozen hardened fighters.

Two dogs had to be put down, one due to excessive violence and the other due to an irreparable injury.

The team also identified "pancake dogs", animals so traumatized they flattened themselves on the ground and trembled when humans approached.

Another group of dogs seemed to be of relatively friendly and normal temperament, but had never been socialized.

All the dogs were eventually neutered.

Here's a brief overview of the story timeline surrounding Michael Vick's pit bulls.

Michael Vick was involved in a dog fighting ring, which was shut down in 2007.

The investigation led to the rescue of 53 pit bulls, many of whom were emaciated and showed signs of physical abuse.

Some of the dogs were adopted out to new homes, while others were euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

Some football players defended Vick's involvement in dogfighting.

Portis, a teammate of Vick, didn't think it was a big deal, saying "it's his property; it's his dogs. If that's what he wants to do, do it."

Dog fighting was described by Portis as a "prevalent" part of life.

He claimed that dog fighting was common in his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi, and that it wasn't just a problem for celebrities like Vick.

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On October 1, 2007, a team of animal behavior experts from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals evaluated the 49 seized dogs.

They analyzed each dog to determine the best course of action for their future.

Only one dog was recommended for euthanasia due to extreme aggression.

The other 48 dogs were deemed suitable for adoption, police training, or sanctuary placement.

February 2, 2008 was a day that highlighted the harsh realities of dogfighting.

A New York Times article followed up on the lives of several dogs transported to Best Friends Animal Society sanctuary.

Georgia, a caramel-colored pit bull mix, was one of the dogs featured in the article. She had a difficult life, with scars from puncture wounds and a misshapen jaw from a broken jaw that healed at an awkward angle.

Her tail zigzagged, a sign of the physical and emotional trauma she endured.

Georgia had no teeth, a result of having all 42 of them pried from her mouth, likely to prevent her from harming male dogs during forced breeding.

Dogs are in pain after losing one tooth, which can take more than an hour of digging, prying, and leveling to pull, even with medication.

The caregivers at the Best Friends Animal Society sanctuary were more concerned with Georgia's emotional wounds than her physical ones.

These dogs were on death row, but thanks to public outcry and advocacy groups, they got a second chance at life. They were the first fighting dogs to be saved from death row.

Their lives were marked by abuse and neglect, with some of them suffering from physical wounds and emotional trauma. Georgia, a caramel-colored pit bull mix, was found to have scars from puncture wounds and her jaw was broken, healing at an awkward angle.

The extent of their abuse is heartbreaking, with some dogs being forced to breed repeatedly, causing physical harm. Georgia's caregivers are concerned about her emotional wounds, wondering why she barks incessantly at her doghouse and rolls her toys obsessively.

It's a testament to the power of love and compassion that these dogs were given a chance to heal and thrive. Despite their traumatic pasts, they've been able to find happiness and purpose in their new lives.

Their story is a reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope for redemption and a second chance.