Michael Vick: Indicted in Dogfighting Investigation

Troubles for Michael Vick just became worse. He is indicted by the grand jury for his alleged involvement in a dogfighting operation:

“The Falcons quarterback was indicted for conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District in Richmond, Va. Three others — Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor — also were indicted by the grand jury on the same charges.

According to court documents filed by federal authorities earlier this month, dog fights have been sponsored by “Bad Newz Kennels” at the property since at least 2002. For the events, participants and dogs traveled from South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, Texas and other states.”

link: Falcons’ Vick indicted by grand jury in dogfighting probe

It is a death activity ( I hesitate to call it a ’sport’ - there is nothing sporting about it.) - and perhaps, it does not bother those who are involved with the activity. For those with an abiding affection for dogs, this is part of the horror:

“Fights would end when one dog died or with the surrender of the losing dog, which was sometimes put to death by drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution or some other method, according to the documents…”

Some of Mr Vicks’ supporters minimize the seriousness of the investigation. For example, Mr Portis and Mr Samuels from the Washington Redskins do not see dogfighting as a crime. Perhaps, as the details of this investigation become public, it will become apparent just how criminal and how barbarian the activity is.

Catherine Forsythe

[tags]michael vick, grand jury, indictment, dogfighting, conspiracy, investigation, clinton portis, chris samuels, crime[/tags]