Animal fighting has been brought to the forefront of the nation’s attention by the highly publicized conviction of NFL star quarterback Michael Vick and three of his associates on federal and state charges related to illegal dogfighting. Vick and his associates operated the aptly named “Bad Newz Kennels,” which housed and trained over 50 pit bull dogs, staged dog fights, killed dogs, and ran a high stakes gambling ring with purses up to $26,000.
The exposure of Bad Newz Kennels helped alert the nation to the viciousness of dogfighting that is commonplace in many communities despite the fact that dogfighting is outlawed in every state and, to some extent, by the federal government. To read about new laws and tougher penalties that have been enacted in the wake of the Vick case, see the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s Animal Fighting Facts.
The Michael Vick case illustrates many attributes common to the dozens of organized dogfighting cases the Animal Legal Defense Fund has seen over the years:
The clandestine operation went undetected until law enforcement discovered it while investigating another crime.
The dogfighting activity was violent and bloody.
Dogs were methodically tested and poor performers executed.
Illegal gambling was a major part of the operation.
Shelters housing the seized dogs had to implement high security precautions.
