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Michael Vick Earns 23 Months in Prison

December 10, 2007


	©The HSUS
	Pit bulls deserve love and care, not abuse in fighting rings.

By Ariana Huemer

Today, fallen NFL star Michael Vick faced the music at his sentencing for dogfighting crimes in a Richmond, Va., federal court.

"You were instrumental in organizing and promoting this activity," U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson told Vick, according to Bloomberg.com. Hudson sentenced the former player to 23 months in a federal prison and three years probation.

"He was in this thing up to his neck with the other defendants," the judge told Forbes.com.

Vick's sentencing comes four months after he pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges and ten days after Judge Hudson sentenced two of his codefendants, Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips, to 18 and 21 months respectively.

While all four men participated in the crimes detailed in the case—including the electrocution and hanging of poorly-performing fighting dogs—Vick's name focused the nation's attention on the realities and pervasiveness of dogfighting.


©The HSUS
With law enforcement cracking down on dogfighters, things are looking up for pit bulls.

John Goodwin, Manager of Animal Fighting Issues for The HSUS, stated, "We commend Judge Hudson for sending a strong message to animal fighting criminals: Dogfighting is a dead-end activity that carries meaningful penalties."

Bad for Fighters, Good for Dogs

While dogfighting has proved bad business for Michael Vick and his cohorts, the increased public awareness of the blood sport and a determination to stop it may yet prove beneficial to the millions of pit bulls bred and abused for dogfighting every year.

As reports of dogfighting are on the rise across the country, legislatures in at least 25 states will consider bills in 2008 to increase the penalties for those convicted of animal fighting. Congress is also considering legislation to further crack down on dogfighters.

We look forward to building upon these efforts to save the countless thousands of dogs abused and killed every year in bloody animal fighting activities in the United States.

Ariana Huemer is cruelty case manager for The Humane Society of the United States.

See the Video

HSUS Undercover: Inside Animal Fighting

Taking Action to End Dogfighting: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do

Rewards Program No Reward for Dogfighters

Dogfighting Public Service Announcements

The Michael Vick Case and Ending Animal Fighting: The Facts

12 Vick Dogs Headed for Homes

Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick Indicted for Dogfighting

Vick Decision to Plead Guilty a Blow Against Dogfighting

Vick's Co-defendants Illuminate the Dark World of Dogfighting

NFL Star Quarterback Michael Vick Investigated for Alleged Dogfighting