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Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case

August 22, 2008, 11:51AM MT

By Jennifer S Hayes

Sunday, August 24 program on Animal Planet investigates dog fighting

Sunday, August 24 program on Animal Planet investigates dog fighting

The horrors of dog fighting were exposed to the nation following the arrest and conviction of Michael Vick last year. Ground-breaking consideration for the dogs occurred and the continued progress of the 47 who were rescued has kept this case in the media spotlight, proving that evaluation and rehabilitation of these, as well as dogs seized from other fighting rings, is not only possible, but it is the only compassionate outcome available for the canine victims of dog fighting operations.

Ironically, the positive publicity is helping to transform the way that the public now perceives pit bulls.

Tune in this Sunday, August 24 at 10:00 p.m. EST to Animal Planet for the premiere of Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case (additional dates and times are also scheduled). The show will investigate dog fighting and will give information on pit bulls, including details about the Michael Vick case, as well as updates on dogs who were rescued. Note that due to some graphic content, viewer discretion is advised.

THREE MORE WAYS YOU CAN HELP:

1. Find out how you can help stop BSL in your own community by joining the Stop Breed Specific Legislation Campaign.

2. Read more about how Best Friends and the other seven organizations have helped their Vick dogs progress; Eliminating Misconceptions and Becoming Canine Good Citizens – Part I, Part II, Part III, and One Step at a Time.

3. Support the lifesaving efforts of the animal welfare organizations that were given custody of Michael Vick’s former dogs.
- Animal Rescue of Tidewater (A.R.T.)
- BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls)
- Best Friends Animal Society
- Georgia SPCA
- Our Pack, Inc. (Pit Bull Advocates for Compassion and Kindness)
- Recycled Love, Inc.
- Richmond Animal League
- SPCA for Monterey County

For more information:
• Animal Witness: The Michael Vick Case on Animal Planet
• Pit Bulls – the real story

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo credit: taken by Jennifer Hayes of Lucas, one of the Vicktory dogs at Best Friends

Comments

Posted August 22, 2008, 6:4PM by hanzabaily

I am so glad to see things like this.

It makes me sick to see dogs "humanely" euthinized because of food aggression, or fighting history, without even considering trying to work with these beautiful creatures. I dont thinik anyone should be able to call themselves "humane" when they unnecessarily murder perfectly wonderful little souls.

I am so happy to see the Pitbull in a better light, apparently people listen when you paste it all over their TV's. Who knew....

Posted August 24, 2008, 11:15PM by marla

I saw the second half of the program, I taped the whole thing.

I thought it was well done. I liked that Ms Lucas from Animal Precient stated that Vic never apologized to the dogs, never said he was sorry for hurting them. He onky cared about getting caught

Posted August 28, 2008, 10:7AM by leeannlynn

Before watching "Animal Witness" my husband believed that Pit Bulls were just evil dogs and that they should all be destroyed. After watching the show together, he admitted that he was wrong, somthing you don't hear everyday! It has given him a new outlook on the breed and all animals that may initially show agression. It shows you what patience, love and understanding can do for the soul.

Posted August 22, 2008, 11:29PM by marla

I Love The picture of the Vic dog

Posted August 25, 2008, 8:31PM by KathiJo

It was a well done show but the scenes showing dog fighting were horrific. I was a little disappointed that Best Friends wasn't mentioned - they just said 22 had been sent to a sanctuary. Maybe they had some deal with Nat Geo to not talk about it due to the upcoming Dogtown episode.