Thursday, April 26, 2007

Drugs, Dogs and Michael Vick

Drug Probe Leads to Vick's Property

The Associated Press is reporting that police conducting a drug investigation raided a house owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and found dozens of dogs, some injured and emaciated. Police also found items associated with dog fighting.
State Police said Vick's relative, Davon Boddie, lives in the house. Vick owns the property, but doesn't live there and wasn't present when a search warrant was executed Wednesday night. Boddie was arrested April 20th on charges of distribution of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute. The search warrant was executed in a narcotics probe.
More than 60 dogs were found. Some appeared malnourished, scarred and injured, officials said. Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said the group has "heard troubling reports for some time that Michael Vick has been involved in organized dog fighting, and we fear that this investigation may validate that very disturbing allegation."
"We urge law enforcement to aggressively investigate this matter, and we further believe that anyone who harbors dogs for the purpose of fighting, deserves to be fully prosecuted for their crimes," Pacelle said in a statement. "Dog fighting is a barbaric activity that causes immense animal suffering and fosters violence in our communities. Our nation should have a zero tolerance policy for any form of staged animal fighting." The Humane Society said dog fighting is illegal nationwide and a felony in 48 states, including Virginia.

Read the whole story on MiamiHerald.com

Follow-up - 27 April 2007
Michael Vick blamed family members for taking advantage of his generosity after a police raid found evidence of dog fighting at property he owns in Virginia. Vick traveled to New York on Friday to take part in activities leading up to the NFL draft. Appearing at a news conference to announce his participation in the NFL Quarterback Challenge, Vick described himself as an unwitting victim of relatives living on his property in Smithfield, Va.
"I'm never at the house," Vick said, according to ajc.com. "I left the house with my family members and my cousin. They just haven't been doing the right thing."
"It's unfortunate I have to take the heat," he said. "If I'm not there, I don't know what's going on. It's a call for me to really tighten down on who I'm trying to take care of. When it all boils down, people will try to take advantage of you and leave you out to dry. Lesson learned for me."

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