The Fate of Michael Vick's Dogs

In case anyone was wondering about the dogs involved, there's good news!
A group called Bad Rap has rehabilitated most of the dogs and placed them with families.
www.dogtime.com has the exclusive story and you can view updates on their site.
Also CNN did a story on the dogs:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/01/25/intv.racer.badrap.dogs.cnn?iref=videosearch

Here are some videos of a couple of the dogs and their stories:
Hector: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6DSN6QYBSAE
Jonny Justice: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xl8In6bFhmk

I think it's really great what they've done for these dogs, and it goes to show- pit bulls, even ones that have been abused can still make great companions, and it truly is the situations they are put in that have given them such a bad reputation.

ASPCA Press Release - August 28, 2007
ASPCA Elaborates on Pit Bull Evaluations—Announces Bad Rap as Partner
Public Interest in Fate of Seized Dogs Overwhelming
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_082807_4

US Department of Justice Press Release August 27, 2007
Statement of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Regarding the Civil Forfeiture Action Involving Approximately 50 Pit Bull Dogs
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae/Pressreleases/08-AugustPDFArchive/07/20070827us_attorney_statement_civilforfeit.pdf

I wish you the best of luck that you are able to get these dogs and give them a chance at life. As an owner of 3 pitbulls and one of them coming from a bad situation (he is now an exceptional family member), I know that at least some of these unfortunate dogs can have a good life. God Bless You Best Friends for all the work that you do. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. christinastott@comcast.net

Hi - in light of the Michael Vick events, I am especially pleased to share this with others! Thanks for reading it and passing it on if it interests you. If it doesn't, I apologize for sending it. ~ Nancy Cronk at www.Animal Chaplains.com.

Press Release August 24, 2007

"Animal Chaplains To Honor and Bless All Creatures on World Animal Day"

~ from the Interfaith Association of Animal Clergy

In what will look like a scene from the popular family movie, "Evan Almighty", scores of Animal Chaplains around the world will bless hundreds, perhaps thousands of animals in many different settings on October 4th 2007. At a pet cemetery on the east coast, to a city park in the desert, to a sandy beach on the west coast, they will walk in on a leash, fly in on a harness, and slither in their cages. Barking, mewing, bleating, mooing, whinnying and purring will join human voices in hymns of praise and worship.

That day is World Animal Day, a day dedicated to honoring, blessing, and protecting animals all over the world. World Animal Day was founded at an ecologist's convention in Florence, Italy in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species. October 4th was chosen as World Animal Day because it is also the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, a Catholic Church holiday which is often celebrated with an annual "blessing of the pets". Since then, it has grown to encompass all kinds of animal life and has been widely celebrated around the world. Churches and synagogues in many faiths traditions have adopted "Pet Blessing Day" or "World Animal Day" in increasing numbers every year.

The Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains prepares for World Animal Day by referring its members and visitors to the official World Animal Day website. The site provides ideas and resources to individuals, families, community groups and congregations everywhere. People can post their pledge for volunteering at a World Animal Day event. In addition to blessing pets, volunteers will work at animal shelters, zoos, rescues, and other nonprofit organizations. Dogs will be walked, cats will be brushed, horses will be groomed, and fish will benefit from freshly cleaned tanks. Donations will be given to animal welfare agencies, and pets will be adopted. School children will collect pet food to be donated to charities, and bake sales and car washes will be held as fundraising events. Veterinary clinics will hold free spay and neuter days, or may offer to vaccinate pets at no charge. All over the world, on the very same day, the well-being of animals will be on the minds of millions of people.

Interfaith Chaplain Nancy Cronk feels a day honoring animals is very important at a time when the headlines speak of animal cruelty such as athlete Michael Vick's alleged ties to illegal dog fighting. Animal Chaplains would like everyone to know that every major faith endorses the responsible stewardship of the earth and all of its creatures. "Deliberate harming of animals is in direct opposition to teachings in all of the major world faiths. Caring for animals is our global spiritual responsibility. If we can teach this ethic to all of our children, animal abuse and suffering will someday become a distant memory".

To find out how to get involved on World Animal Day, go to www.WorldAnimalDay.org.uk. To find out more about Animal Chaplains, go to www.AnimalChaplains.com.

(This article may be reprinted.)


Chaplain Nancy J. Cronk
Founder, Chair and Chaplain
Interfaith Association of Animal Chaplains
www.AnimalChaplains.com
Email: AnimalClergy@aol.com

I hope Best Friends will swallow their well-earned pride, if necessary, in order to have at least one representative involved in the evaluations of these dogs. If nothing else, it would be nice to have a watchdog in the process.

Tippydog, glad you were able to speak to the judge. I got nowhere with the assistant prosecutors.

If Best Friends could commit to offering these dogs sanctuary while a long-term evaluation (as opposed to a single temperment eval for each dog), maybe the judge would order it....

Forgive me please for offering this next suggestion. Maybe we could contact Mr. Vick's attorney and offer them the first step in Vick's long road to rehab. See if he will endorse and finance long term care for the dogs. It would probably be his first opportunity for positive press and may gain him a bit of leniency with the court.

bogiedew-
While I totally agree with you; this is much better than nothing. With the normal stance that the HSUS takes on dogs that have been fought which the majority of shelters in the nation adheres to as a guideline(ie-they all must die, even pups as young as 8 weeks not fought, but bred OF fighters)I'm thrilled that these dogs are even given ANY chance at all-thanks to this Judge. It would seem the ASPCA has a slightly better stance-they at least "consider" adopting out puppies/adults never fought if I understand correctly.
Here in Florida a couple yrs ago, there was a big bust and every single dog, including the baby pups who never knew any aggression at all were PTD due to the HSUS "policy"-simply because they were born OF fighting dogs. :(

I have faith that if BFAS only sends one person; it will be their top notch evaluator and many of these dogs will make it out alive. I can only pray this may be the beginning of a new trend for dogs who have been the victims of such horrible crimes.

I just read on the main page that ASPCA will take over and they asked BF to send one person..I dont think I agree..I would rather BF take over and have one person represent the ASPCA.

To not even give these dogs a shot at living a life is almost as horrific, to me, as the whole dog fighting mentality. How dare people assume every one is beyond helping? At least, give them a chance. At least, TRY to rehabilitate these tortured lives-- at least TRY to bring some joy into their existence. If even one responds, why--a precious life has been saved. Good for you, Best Friends for keeping hope for these animals alive. And good for the Judge for seeing them as more than collected evidence--no longer needed, and therefore, expendable.

Best Friends-I love you.

i hope hope hope that some of these dogs will be granted the opportunity to have a second chance. if none of these dogs were actually fought or trained, then there is such a good chance that they would make suitable pets.
it is sickening to hear that euthanasia is the immediate response in a situation like this.

i am hoping that something good can come out of this horrible mess. and if only more support could be lent to fighting this practice and supporting those who take on the fight, then something good will come. but a key component of this is outreach to kids, teaching them compassion for living beings. there is something horribly wrong if one out six kids in chicago has been to a dog fight. horribly wrong. but it has to be tackled community by community. maybe organizations can sponsor programs for kids whereby they participate in a contest to have the "best behaved" pitbull (i envision this in communities where pit bull ownership is high and dog fighting is a big problem). community outreach can help get the message out to the kids, volunteer trainers can work with them and their dogs, then they can have a competition for the "top dog". but all participants would get a "prize"! kids love competition - and to have your dog honored as top dog would be something. i think it would be something great to try to implement.

Heavy sigh of RELIEF!!!! The plight of these dogs has been weighing so heavy on my heart, 'saved' only to be killed ... Denver did that with Mike Padilla's 36 pit bulls, 11 of which were babies!!!! It was horribly ugly, especially when there were rescues ready & willing to take the dogs!!!! I pray that BF is successful in changing what has been said to be the 'accepted' outcome of dogs in busts!!!! It doesn't have to be that way!!!!! RUN ON!!!

tippydog90, that's a good idea! Some states have dog fighting task forces that are work both within the community educating people the police officers providing training and information they need to prosecute the crimes. We don't have one in Georgia, but I'd really like it if we did. Sadly, I don't have the knowledge or the leadership/management skills to start one myself. But it would be really neat to volunteer with a program like that. Tio Hardiman is awesome*. I wish I had that kind of, I don't know, skill, I guess, to do something that really makes a difference where I live.

*This is from his blog (http://network.bestfriends.org/Blogs/PostDetail.aspx?bp=5003)

"Hardiman said he is part of a group of 25 to 30 volunteers who walk the streets at least once a month searching for dog battles."

That's insanely brave! I would never have the guts to do that, especially not in Atlanta!

Tio Hardiman posted in this thread earlier. I have a great deal of respect for Mr. Hardiman and am pleased that someone with his background and level of personal knowledge is working so closely with Best Friends.

Tio - I know you will, but please do what you can to help these dogs. They could become the ambassadors of the breed since all of America has been reading about them for weeks.

kendra,
i think that money should also have to be used to fund intensive anti dog fighting efforts (actual on the ground work, not just campaigns). like working with children in some areas that are getting involved in this atrocious practice at such a young age. fund those programs like tio hardiman is working on and expand it to other communities. teach these children in their schools and communities that this is a horrific practice that has no place in our society. then additional money should be used to fund rescues/shelters that place pit bulls. but i think you have to reach these kids when they are young, somehow someway and that an intense effort needs to be made to do just that.

I think he should have to donate $1 million to animal rescue for each dog that ends up dying or getting put down because of this. Even if he "didn't participate" in the fighting or the training, they're still his property, and their well-being is still his responsibility. That way, even if those dogs couldn't be saved, that money could be used to save tons of other animals. And when I say animal rescue, I don't mean PETA. I mean someone more local to where he lives, like a Virginia-based rescue or a Georgia-based rescue. Goodness knows they could use that kind of money. There's a no-kill close to where I live that takes in pit bulls that can't be adopted from the local animal control facilities. They could certainly use some donations...

thanks for the info southerndogmom. i'd love to know how many of these are pups/young dogs that weren't involved in fighting. regardless, they all deserve a chance at love and peace in their lives. i also think more than one organization should be involved in the evaluation of these dogs and that one of those organizations should definitely be BF and/or their representative. given the stance of some of the other organizations, I think this is only fair for the dogs.

I am hoping and praying that these dogs can/will be saved. I believe as part of M. Vick sentence he should have to pay for there care. I am extremely saddened by the fact that these poor dogs have never know an ounce of kindness and if there are killed it will break my heart. Poor dogs!!

I have numbers on the dogs but no idea about age.

I e-mailed Win Grant yesterday and left him a voicemail about 5 minutes ago. He replied to my e-mail with the following:

"Got your voice mail. I’ve talked to Best Friends and they have been in contact with USDA too. All options will be considered. Thanks for your comments."

This tells me that the ASPCA isn't the only game in town and gives me hope that perhaps some of the dogs can still make it to Kanab....

southerndogmom
they didn't tell me that when i called. he patiently listened and said he would pass on my comments. i also wrote DOJ this morning, but didn't have the email address for the US attorney directly. I will send him an email as well. I sure hope that all efforts are made to save these dogs. I realize that some of these dogs may be in very bad shape, psychologically and physically, but I believe that all efforts should be made to evaluate each dog and place those that can be placed with highly qualified organizations and trainers. I know these will never be dogs that can be adopted out - but I do believe they deserve to know love and caring in an appropriate environment. I also wonder how many of them are pups or dogs that never saw the fighting ring? I have never seen any information on that.

I called Judge Hudson's office to comment on the fate of the dogs and to ensure the court knew about the BF press release. I was told they're only taking public comments about Vick at this time.

I was told that the civil case regarding the disposition of the dogs is being handled by the U.S. attorney's office and comments should be directed there. I know the dogs are in the "possession" of the Department of Agriculture.

The U.S. attorney handling the civil case about the dogs is C. Wingate Grant.

wingate.grant@usdoj.gov
(804) 819-5400

No offense intended, tippydog90. Just wanted to share what happened when I called.

The Plea Agreement says this under a paragraph entitled, "Restitution":

"...defendant agrees to make restitutuion for the full amount of the costs associated with the dispositoin of all dogs which are currently the subject of [the civil law suit]. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, all costs associated with the care of the dogs involved in that case, including, if necessary, the long-term care and/or the humane euthanasia of some or all of those animals as may be directed by the court in that case."

The judge in the civil case is the same: Henry Hudson.

I just called the judge in this case and provided my thoughts. I would encourage others to do the same if you haven't already. I suggested that all efforts should be made to place as many of these animals as possible with appropriate organizations that are committed to their welfare, and that Michael Vick and co-defendents should be financially responsible for ensuring a life time of care for these animals, and they should be required to fund outreach efforts regarding the atrocities of dog-fighting (as part of their sentencing). I told the judge's office that these dogs had already suffered enough and they should be afforded a chance at knowing love and having a life, all in the appropriate environment. The contact info for the judge is:
U. S. District Judge Henry Hudson
(804) 916-2290

This is what appears on the ASPCA web site. This is not good.

//////

Q. What happens to dogs that are seized from dog fight operations? Can they be rehabilitated?

Fighting dogs have been bred and trained to inflict injuries on other animals, and are difficult to house and care for. They are often relatively friendly to people, primarily adult males, since such people have been the only source of food and attention—but they can be unpredictable around people and any other animals. Concerns about liability, public safety and other risks mean that most animals seized from such operations are not adoptable, meaning they cannot be considered candidates for successful placement, and often have to be euthanized.
Confiscated fighting dogs are also at high risk of being stolen from shelters, foster care or other placements and returned to the fight trade.
Exceptions are sometimes made for puppies or other animals who show no signs of training or use in fighting, and who do not exhibit tendencies of aggression towards other animals or people. However, such animals must be carefully evaluated by trained animal behavior professionals, such as Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists, and their placement must be monitored over the long term.

Looks like the dogs WILL be individually evaluated, but not by Best Friends:

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_082307

Does anyone know ASPCA's stance on fighting dogs, or their track record as far as percentages saved? If their beliefs are the same as PETA's and HSUS's, then these evaluations might not actually help these poor dogs at all, and just fuel the stance that all dogs from possible fighting backgrounds should be automatically euthanized.

I pray that these dogs will know, even if only for a short time the kind gentle touch of a human being...And I pray also that these heartless men involved here and in all dog fighting will one day know the wrath of God for torturing these wonderful furry creatures

EmilyS - I would appreciate it if you would not turn this thread into a platform to explain why other organizations don't trust BF.

My intent in my post was to let people know that PETA and HSUS are not the only organizations which are not what they seem. You assumed I was referring to a pit bull rescue when I did not even state that in my post.

If you support BF, that's wonderful. If you do not support BF, please don't hide behind use of the word "they."

southerndogmom, without knowing to whom you're referring, I can say that it's true that many pit bull rescuers don't trust BF. They see BF as another AR group just like PETA and HSUS with an agenda that is ultimately anti-pit bull or certainly anti-pit bull owner. They point to the BF Dangerous Dog conference, especially the pre-conference material that refers to pit bulls as dangerous. They see the anti-tethering point of view, the notion of "guardianship", the anti-breeder view and the "now we don't support it, now we do" wavering about mandatory s/n as detrimental to responsible pit bull ownership. There are some residual concerns about BF's Katrina activities and how BF has behaved towards some of the established pit bull rescuers in regard to promised money and resources. And of course they suspect BF and all the major animal organizations of merely using Vick's dogs to raise money and gain publicity for themselves.

I'm not saying I agree with all of this, and I CERTAINLY disagree that it's better for the animals to be dead than to end up at BF. To me that's stupid and cruel.

But then I'm also hearing that any dogs allowed to live are going to go someplace else, though the source wouldn't say where.

Let's hope that some of Vick's millions go to give his dog victims the best possible care, where ever they end up.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/vae/

Here is the link to contact regarding the dogs.

A few weeks back, a well known person who shall remain nameless was making musings about being allowed to evaluate the dogs to the end of having them spared. Because I was unsure of the BF position at that time, I sent this person an e-mail. The enthusiastic response I received included a completely unprovoked statement to the effect that this person would rather see all of the dogs euthanized than sent to BF. I was shocked and appalled.

My point is that there are many large organizations out there which the general public assumes is fighting for animals when that is not always the case. Needless to say, I have ceased any contact with that person and I'm standing on the sidelines from Alabama cheering on my animal welfare heroes at BF.

I have become quite disheartened by the overt tactics that HSUS and PETA are taking that euthanizing animals is a solution.

I am very certain that there are dogs among these 48 that could do very well as companions if they were checked out. But isn't it so much easier just to kill them?!

I have to come to realize that supporting well-run, local no-kill shelters is the way to go. And, of course, Best Friends.

Regarding Vick's plea deal:

Kendra - I'll comment in the BSL thread called "Vick Takes Plea Deal" so we can keep this thread focused on the fate of the dogs. I don't mean to guide the conversation; I'm just trying to keep the subjects separate for now so I don't muddy the waters by talking about my understanding of the legal stuff.

I agree with the comments on PETA and HSUS. After learning PETAs views a few years ago (and just now seeing HSUS is kind of the same way), I will no longer financially support these organizations. I do sen $$$ to Best Friends and several local no kill shelters on Long Island. Thanks for enlightening me on HSUS however.

Lee Ellen

I agree with what everyone has posted so far. I knew bestfriends would step up ot the plate. The more i keep up with whats going on with PETA and the HSUS the more i realize they are more political then they are out for the animals. I would tell people that their donations are much better spent at bestfriends then any of the major orginazations. If bestfriends had the amount of money that goes to PETA and HSUS combined JUST THINK of all the good they could do..From now on all my donations will be sent to bestfriends and a few small local charties. And as for Vick not admitting he killed any dogs, I think any sane person (or at least the ones who matter) know damn well he's a liar and a killer and it doesn't matter what Vick claims...

so I just read this link that purrballe posted earlier:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7151408?MSNHPHMA

It says Vick won't plead guilty to many of the charges in the indictment. Does that mean he gets off, or will there still be a court hearing to prove his guilt or innocence? If he gets off just by pleading guilty to one charge and not guilty to the others, that won't be fair at all. What that says to me is that I can commit a series of horrible crimes, and so long as I agree to plead guilty to the least horrible of them, the others will just go away....

BF - knew we could count on you to do right by the dogs. Thanks for your efforts in trying to help them. Love you for it, and thanks for all that you do!

I agree with you concerning the euthanasia, southerndogmom. I know that many of these dogs, possibly all of them, are suffering both physically and psychologically. I will understand if the only option is to put them down b/c they are suffering so much, but I would much rather hear it from a group like Best Friends. I believe (and I hope my trust is not misguided) that Best Friends would evaluate each individual dog as a dog and not rely on the bias that it is a pit bull or a fight dog. Whereas PETA or HSUS would put it down simply because of what it is. Even if only one dog can be saved and rehabilitated, I would feel like we've made a little progress as a society.

Re Kendra's question:

I won't say who the best people are to write to about the fate of the dogs and I know none of us would want to interfere in what BF is doing.

I have, however, made up a list of contacts related to the case which includes criminal counsel for all 4 defendants (including Vick) and the U.S. attorneys handling the criminal and civil cases. All of this information is a matter of public record.

If you would like the list, please pop me an e-mail. If that becomes cumbersome, I'll post the info here or in another BSL thread.

While I have not had the pleasure of making a trek to Kanab,I am proud to be associated with Best Friends and I know that of all animal welfare organizations on the planet, BF will fight for these dogs. Having said that, here's a reality check which is based on my own personal experience.

Dogs "used" to fight can be fiercely loyal and will continue to try to function long past the point when most of us would just give up. They can be suffering from serious injuries which have gone untreated for a long period of time. They very well may not receive veterinary care; any vet who saw injuries commonly identified with fighting would report the "owner" to law enforcement. They can be suffering from internal injuries which are not obvious to the casual observer. I'm not a vet. I've seen pictures and heard testimony regarding fighting dogs seized by and cared for by former law enforcement clients.

I know BF will do all it can to try to evaluate and save the dogs. Some have already died while "in custody." It may very well be that those still alive are in such poor physical condition that their temperament is no longer an issue. I do not believe in needless euthanasia. I do believe in relieving the suffering of an animal who has never known the type of love which all of our companion animals know from us.

Nothing would please me more than for at least some of these dogs to be saved, transported to Kanab and rehabilitated, to then serve as living reminders that they are better creatures than their abusers could ever be.

This really is outrageous. How can the prosecutors frame a plea deal like this? Aren't prosecutors voted into office and supposed to represent their constituents too? What a farce our legal system is...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7151408?MSNHPHMA

So if we want to send an email to comment about the fate of the dogs, we use the Virginia State Attorney's Office (usavae.press@usdoj.gov)? Is that correct? Does anyone know of an email address to the US Attorney's Office or the Department of Agriculture, and also perhaps, Vick's Attorney so I can CC them when I write an email?

If Michael Vick's dogs were to release a statement, this is probably how it would go:

"We have been raised to fight. We didnt choose to be raised that way. Michael Vick did. All we wanted was the same thing that EVERY living soul wants: To love, and to be loved.

Michael Vick offered us nothing but cold indifference, pain, suffering, and death.
Yet OUR lives are in danger, because of what HE did?
Where is the justice?

Oh, and PETA, and the "Humane" Society:
When we needed you most, you said to simply "kill us."
And you call yourselves animal lovers?
You have contradicted yourselves yet again.
Thank goodness there are groups like Best Friends who are true animal lovers.

For, if you truly love someone, you dont just throw their life away. No, you would do whatever you could to save those who you love.

Best Friends are true animal lovers.

PETA and the "Humane" Society, are politicians with agendas, who are not acting like animal lovers at all, when it comes to homeless cats and dogs, and fighting dogs, like ourselves. If you truly love someone, you dont say "kill them" when asked what to do with them.

Not ONE official from PETA or the "Humane" Society would be so quick to say "kill them", if THEIR souls were in OUR bodies! Or if THEIR souls were in the bodies of homeless cats and dogs!

Thank goodness for the TRUE animal lovers, like Best Friends.

They say they love animals, and they back it up by respecting our precious lives and souls.

That is what love does: It involves a huge amount of kindness, and a deep reverence for EVERY LIFE, EVERY SOUL.

PETA wants to kill us, and throw us away.
The "Humane" Society wants to kill us, and throw us away.

WE want to live.

Does that matter?

Woof,

Michael Vick's Dogs"

It does not at all surprise me that PETA and HSUS want to euthanize all of these dogs without even doing temperament testing on them. After all, PETA's kill rate in their Virginia facility is close to 90% of all animals they take in. HSUS used to be a good organization, but of all the money they take in, none is given to local shelters who are caring for animals. Kudos to Best Friends for realizing that at least some of these dogs might be suitable for living out their lives at their sanctuary. Have someone from BF who is experienced with these types of dogs coming from this situation do temperament testing. Give at least the ones who are able to be at least somewhat rehabilitated a chance for a life free from being torn up in a dog fighting ring.

Thank goodness that BF is stepping up to the plate. These dogs are like survivors of war crimes. They deserve tender care and healing, not demonization for having been tortured by monsters. I can say from experience that many "Humane" society affiliates are working hard to turn back from no-kill to kill shelters. So much for their "humanity." And PETA seems obsessed with sucking up to stars and gazillionaires at the expense of innocent, suffering animals. Bravo to BF!!!!

Thank you Best Friends and all the other organizations that have stepped up to help evaluate these dogs. I think it's an excellent suggestion that Michael Vick pay for their continued care and training, no matter how long it takes.

So Peta and the Humane Society thinks all the dogs should be euthanized? I find that very interesting.

The more I learn about Best Friends the more I respect them.

good for you Best Friends!
Your experience with the Katrina dogs has taught you a lot about pit bulls.
I hope your plea,combined with that of other experienced reputable rescuers will reach the ears of the decision makers

I understand that this is the email to send comments about the dogs: usavae.press@usdoj.gov

(Virginia State Attorney’s Office)

Bravo Best Friends!! I witnessed first hand BF staff handling difficult Pit Bulls under extremely stressful situations. Not only are the staff up to the task, but they also know enough to seek the advice of other Pit Bull experts for the best possible outcome for all of the dogs. There is no doubt in my mind that the Vick dogs will have the best chance possible of living out their lives in some resemblence to a normal, kinder existance than the life they have known. Again, Best Friends is such a source of pride to all of us who know and love what you do for the animals.

I do not believe in death without a chance at life or
life without hope. To euthanize Michael Vick's dogs
would be to deny them of both of the above. I agree
with Best Friends that the dogs should be evaluated
and given the opportunity to know their is another side to the human species.

Have I missed something here? Michael Vick is mouthing the usual insincerities about apologizing and "taking responsibility," but I haven't seen any actions to back up his words. If he's pleading guilty to participating in the brutalization of these dogs, wouldn't a reasonable penalty include his assuming financial responsibility for their ongoing care at an appropriate sanctuary, like BF? He's certainly got the money. The idea that he might be fined a measly couple of hundred thousand dollars, but not have to pay a penny to support his victims, is repulsive. The idea that the dogs might be murdered, on top of everything else they've suffered, rather than live out cared-for lives at Vick's expense, is a travesty of justice.

Thank you, Best Friends for stepping in. The thought of those poor dogs being euthanized after all the other dogs that he killed is just too much.Even though they may not be adoptable they should at least have the opportunity to live out their lives in peace and safety. Hopefully Vicks will not be let off with a slap on the wrist. He deserves serious jail time and a large fine that should be applied to the care of the dogs.

Keep up thr good work. I plan to work on this issue as well. Hopefully, the dogs will be placed in the care of Best Friends Animal Society.

Thanks BF for for trying to give some of these dogs a chance and not giving up on them. At least someone is trying to help them. And thanks to the judge for also giving them some time.
Everytime BF steps up to the plate to help animals in need I think back to last winter when the Pablo (N.O. dog )case was going on and all those people were putting BF down..how wrong they were.

I was hoping Best Friends would be able to help these poor pitties. I wonder what the ASPCA's stance on "rehabilitation" of "fighting dogs" is? It seems like this would be important, since they are the "experts" that are helping with this investigation. As lame as it sounds, from what I've seen on Animal Planet, I'm not very optimistic that the ASPCA's stance is much different than that of HSUS or PETA. Hopefully Best Friends' stellar reputation will be enough for the courts to listen to their side, and give at least some of these poor victims a chance.

I ferverently hope all the dogs get to BF. What a travesty that they could meet death because of Vick, too. Can you imagine the good Best Friends could do with $130 million a year?! Michael Vick should be required to pay for the dogs upkeep for the rest of their natural lives.

This is why I absolutely LOVE Best Friends. Many thank you's for having such a big caring heart.

Lee Ellen

Thank goodness there are organizations like Best Friends in the world. Shame on PeTA and HSUS for such hypocrisy! I honestly don't know how they can preach against animal cruelty when they advocate the killing of innocent creatures just because it might be a little difficult to rehabilitate them.

Add my bravo to Best Friends. I knew they would help where they could. Everyone saved is one less that has to pay the ultimate price for Vicks monsterous cruelty.

Nora

I am so happy BF to the rescue, Happy day's I went in and hugged my Pittie Cocoa and told her BF is helping some more pits baby sned them good thoughts ok baby. I am so happy for Bf trying to save them too and get them there and let them live rest of thier lives uot being cared for and loved. heidi

Bravo to BF for stepping up to the plate! Even
if only some of those dogs can be saved it is worth whatever we need to do to see that happen. I pray that all are able to go to various rescues to save their sweet little souls.

As others have already posted. I knew BF's would help where they could. I was thinking of this on the way into work this morning. Praying for these poor souls that through no fault of their own were left to this fate. I hope Vick gets to pay for this ..... I Know vengence is mine said the Lord but we should try and set a bar that no one can cross with out fear....
Thank you and prayers going out to all ..

I knew Best Friends would step up to the plate. I still feel for any animal if it is given enough (without deadlines) it can adjust to having a different life. And with time the dogs will see that they are now being loved.

More prayers and crossed paws added.

All my faith is in Best Friends. I know they will do everything possible to save some of these poor babies. Bless you, Best Friends.

This is another example of Vick's callousness, uncaring, and cruelty to animals. I have to say it again: DON'T LET THIS MONSTER "SKATE".

I just love how HSUS has been saying they should be euthanized on the one hand and then collecting money for the ongoing care of the dogs on the other.

I am glad that there may be some actual evaluation of the individual dogs before decisions regarding their fates are made.

Prayers and crossed paws for these unfortunate pups.

Paws crossed that some can be saved... I know some have died since being siezed. But I do hope there's a way some can make it to Kanab...

I believe in Best Friends. If any organization can help these poor creatures, it is BF.