Bad Newz Kennels
The Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting investigation began in April 2007 with a search of property in Surry County, Virginia, owned by Michael Vick, who was at the time quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons football team, and the subsequent discovery of evidence of a dog fighting ring. Over seventy dogs, mostly pit bull terriers, with some said to be showing signs of injuries, were seized, along with physical evidence during several searches of Vick's 15-acre (61,000 m2) property by local, state and federal authorities.
Michael Dwayne Vick Tony Taylor Purnell Anthony Peace Quanis Lavell Philips Oscar Allen | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Vick: Ookie and Ron Mexico Taylor: T Peace: P-Funk and Funk Philips: Q Allen: No alias |
| Criminal status | Vick and Allen: On probation Others: Federal sentences have expired, awaiting state trial State charges: Vick pleaded guilty, others awaiting trial. |
| Conviction(s) | Federal: Conspiracy in interstate commerce/aid of unlawful animal cruelty venture Titlece, Phillips, and Taylor: 3 years federal probation following release, state trials still pending |
The case drew widespread publicity to the issues of animal abuse and dog fighting. It also drew attention to unlawful gambling and drug activities which authorities claim often accompany dog fighting. Subsequently, Vick and three other principals were convicted of federal offense conspiracy charges and imprisoned. Vick was suspended by the NFL, was ordered to pay the Atlanta Falcons back a portion of his earnings, and lost endorsement deals worth millions more. With other creditors also attempting to collect millions of dollars in debts, in July 2008, he filed for Chapter 11 (reorganization) bankruptcy protection.