Michael Vick

It is obvious that there has been extra attention to this issue because of the recent activities of Michael Vick. It certainly triggered many of my feelings about the matter, which is why I wanted to make sure that everyone knew enough about the particular case.

He was recently charged with illegal dog fighting and gambling, he was indicted, plead guilt and has been convicted of a federal felony, thus bringing attention to to dog fighting and animal cruelty laws.

It was April 2007 when the evidence of dog fighting activities were discovered in Vicks home in rural Virginia. In July, Vick and three other men were charged by federal authorities with felony charges of operating an unlawful six-year long interstate dog fighting venture known as"Bad Newz Kennels" at Vick's 15-acre property in Surry County, Virginia They are expected to each receive federal prison sentences between 12 months and a maximum of five years. He pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to operate an interstate dogfighting ring. In addition, he admitted to providing most of the financing for the operation itself, as well as participating directly in several dogfights in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and South Carolina. He also admitted to sharing in the proceeds from these dog fights. He also admitted that he knew his colleagues killed several dogs who didn't perform well enough. However, while he admitted to providing most of the money for gambling on the fights, he denied placing any side bets on the dogfights. He also denied actually killing any dogs himself