April 25, 2007

It has been a year since Michael Vicks went under investigation for dogfighting. On December 10, 2007, he was sentenced in Federal Court to 23 months in jail for dogfighting across state lines, and potentially being involved in the death and torture of dogs. He received his to due a plea bargain agreement, but he still awaits state charges for many of the same charges of animal abuse and dogfighting.

In the U.S., dogfighting is considered a felony in every state except Wyoming and Idaho. Despite that fact, according to The Humane Society, it's estimated that somewhere between 20,000-40,000 people in this country take part in this multi-billion dollar industry. American pit bull terriers account for 99 percent of the species involved in dogfighting, and a pit bull puppy can cost as much as $5,000. An average dog fight carries a $10,000 purse.

Forty-eight dogs were rescued from Michael Vick's dog yard "Bad Newz Kennels", and while only one was euthanized (for medical reasons), most have been placed in sanctuaries while a few are being re-trained for adoption. Most are unadoptable (for obvious reasons) but will live out their lives without fear of the ring. The few that are adoptable were taken by several organizations to be fostered and taught how to be dogs. Some were sent as far away as Utah in order to find individuals who could undertake this difficult task of rehabilitating dogs who have been taught to "do or die."

Michael Vicks is still in jail as I write this. For the sake of all dogs, I hope he stays in there for a lot longer.





I Am Shiba. I Have Spoken.