The long road to Vicktory...A story that begins in dark and ends in the light.

In early 2001 the newly drafted Atlanta Falcon’s Quarterback Michael Vick along with two others, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor began a venture to sponsor pit bull terriers in dog fighting. A fourth, Purnell Peace joins the group. Vick then buys a piece of property for $34,000 in Smithfield Virginia to set up their Bad Newz Kennels.

Throughout 2001/2003 the group acquires and tests pit bulls for fighting suitability. Numerous dogs deemed unsuitable were killed by Peace, Phillips and Taylor during this time. By Spring 2003 the group is entering dogs in fights, winning and subsequently hosting fights at Bad Newz Kennels. Dogs both travel to and from Bad Newz Kennels to participate in fights.

In April 2007 according to Vick’s summary of events, Peace, Phillips and Vick test several dogs from the Bad Newz Kennels and agree to the killing of 6-8 dogs who perform poorly. The dogs were killed by various methods, including hanging and drowning.

On April 24, 2007 Vick’s cousin David Boodie is arrested on drug charges. He gives the address of Bad Newz Kennel as his place of residence and a warrant to search the property is issued. Animal control officers find 66 dogs – 55 of them pit bulls and a training complex on the property. they found dogs, some injured and scarred, chained to buried car axles. Forensic experts on a subsequent search discovered remains of dogs that had been shot with a .22-caliber pistol, electrocuted, drowned, hanged or slammed to the ground for lacking a desire to fight.

Initial reports indicated that most if not all of the dogs will be euthanized, but after much outcry, debate and behind the scenes maneuvering many of the dogs are given a reprieve. 47 dogs in total are sent to sanctuaries around the country, 22 in need of the most support, including Lucas – Vicks prize fighter and Jane (now named Georgia) his first fighting dog find homes at the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah.

Lucas now at Best Friends

In Nov 2007 Vick agrees to pay almost $1 million into an escrow fund to cover the cost of care for the dogs found on his property.

To give you an idea of what these dogs experienced here is a segment from a February 2, 2008 New York Times article written by Juliet Macur.

“A quick survey of Georgia, a caramel-colored pit bull mix with cropped ears and soulful brown eyes, offers a road map to a difficult life. Her tongue juts from the left side of her mouth because her jaw, once broken, healed at an awkward angle. Her tail zigzags.

“Scars from puncture wounds on her face, legs and torso reveal that she was a fighter. Her misshapen, dangling teats show that she might have been such a successful, vicious competitor that she was forcibly bred, her new handlers suspect, again and again.

“But there is one haunting sign that Georgia might have endured the most abuse of any of the 47 surviving pit bulls seized last April from the property of the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in connection with an illegal dog fighting ring.

“Georgia has no teeth. All 42 of them were pried from her mouth, most likely to make certain she could not harm male dogs during forced breeding.”

A quick visit to Best Friends website and you will learn the names of these 22 dogs and learn about their unique personalities – warm, funny, shy, sneaky eyes and more.

On Monday December 22nd Dr. Frank McMillian, DVM, auhtor of "Unlocking The Animal Mind" and Director of Well-Being Studies at Best Friends has been working with the Victory dogs. He will be joining me to talk about their inspiring road and what it has been like to be at the center of such a high profile case.

Join me live on Monday, December 22nd 12 Noon EST...

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousanimal