In The News: Recent Happenings

Indictment and Trial Will Reveal Horrible Truths Behind Dog Fighting; Vick Should be Sanctioned by NFL

New York, July 19 - Executives at SPCA International today expressed disgust and outrage at the details behind Michael Vick's recent indictment for conspiring to run an interstate dog fighting operation. Details of the numerous animal cruelties performed at the NFL star's Virginia compound illustrate the horrible nature of the so-called sport of dog fighting.

Stories of dog electrocutions, hanging, drowning, blunt force trauma and malnutrition abound in the eighteen page indictment filed in the District Court of for the Eastern District of Virginia. Vick and his co-defendants allegedly ran the operation since 2001.

"While most Americans may find these details hard to comprehend, the sad truth is that they are all common occurrences in the world of dog fighting," said Stephanie Scroggs, SPCA International director of communications. "Any dog trapped in that world is living a nightmare on a daily basis."

SPCA International executives called for tougher sanctions by the National Football League, which merely expressed "disappointment" at Vick's indictment.

"Vick's federal indictment and the breadth of the abuse perpetrated by his kennel calls for stern action," added Scroggs. "Vick's actions lower the bar with respect to the usual misconduct of professional athletes. How many dogs died painful deaths under his guidance?"

SPCA International joins with other animal groups in condemning these gruesome and barbaric actions and hopes that the publicity afforded to Vick's indictment will raise awareness of - and spur additional action against - the horrific practice of dog fighting.