By Jennifer Tran

It’s been nearly two years since former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was indicted for his role in the operation of a dog-fighting ring. In April 2007, fans and animal lovers alike were shocked when dozens of Pit Bulls were discovered during a raid of Vick’s Virginia property. The dogs were housed at the Bad News Kennels, a venture operated by Vick and several other members. 

Approximately eight dogs were executed as a result of their poor performance in “testing” sessions and were found buried nearby. The surviving forty-seven dogs were in various states of physical and psychological damage. Animal rescue experts believed at the time that these dogs were too far-gone to be rehabilitated and should be euthanized. With the traumatic abuse they had suffered for so long, rehabilitation seemed impracticable. Others though believed that the dogs should be given a chance for a better life and a federal judge agreed to release more than half to various shelters and rescue groups. 

As part of his sentence, Vick was ordered to pay almost a million dollars for care of the dogs. On average, most rescue groups received $5,000 per adoptable dog. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary received $18,275 per dog, because the animals could spend a significant amount of time there. In fact, an octagonal kennel was retrofitted to accommodate the Pit Bulls’ six to twelve month stay in an area of the sanctuary known as DogTown.

The twenty-two toughest cases were sent to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a three thousand acre no-kill facility located in Utah. The National Geographic Channel series DogTown chronicles the journeys of the four most challenging cases – Cherry, Meryl, Denzel and Georgia. DogTown’s dedicated team of professionals are helping the dogs to overcome their violent pasts and strive to attain what every dog deserves – a happier, healthier life without abuse. While their bodies heal from cruelty and neglect, they’re being exposed to as many things as possible to ensure that they respond appropriately. They’ve also been provided with structure, guidance and training, things that other dogs take for granted. About half of the remaining dogs may need permanent sanctuary housing, according to a team of certified animal behaviorists.

Three of the forty-seven Pit Bulls involved in the civil forfeiture were taken in by Recycled Love in Baltimore. Recycled Love is just one of eight organizations that were approved to receive the dogs. Other facilities include:

• Animal Rescue of Tidewater in Chesapeake, Virginia

• BAD RAP in Oakland, California

• Georgia SPCA in Suwanee

• Our Pack in San Francisco, CA

• Richmond Animal League in Virginia

• SPCA of Monterey County in CA

Many are expected to be eligible for future adoption by the public. 

In support of the efforts to rehabilitate the Bad Newz Kennel dogs, a boutique winery in California created the Vicktory Dog Wine Collection, with the labels commemorating the dogs. A portion of all sales are donated to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in support of their Fight Dog Fighting initiative. 

Currently, Michael Vick is serving out his time in a Kansas prison and he awaits an April 2nd trial date in Virginia on state dog-fighting charges.

While this highly publicized case is unique because of the large sum of money dedicated to the lifetime care of the dogs, animal advocates hope that it will initiate a change in shelter policies on rescued fighting dogs, sending a message that the victims of dog-fighting rings, yes – even Pit Bulls, deserve a second chance.

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