Witness: Vick Forced Family Pets To Battle Killer Pit Bulls For Laughs

RICHMOND, Va. — Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls and thought it was funny watching the trained killers injure or kill the helpless dogs, a witness told federal investigators during the dogfighting investigation that brought Vick down.

In a 17-page report filed Aug. 28, 2008, by case agent James Knorr of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and released Friday under the Freedom of Information Act, a person identified as confidential witness No. 1 said Vick placed pets in the ring against pit bulls owned by "Bad Newz Kennels" at least twice and watched as the pit bulls "caused major injuries."

The witness said Vick and co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips "thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to Bad Newz Kennels injure or kill the other dogs."

Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison in Dec. 2007, and is due to be released from the federal prison at Leavenworth, Kan., on July 20, 2009. He returned to Virginia on Thursday and is being held in Hopewell pending his appearance in Surry County Circuit Court on Tuesday, where he is expected to plead guilty to two felony charges but receive a suspended sentence.

The report, which has some names and other information redacted to protect some of the parties involved, also details the killing of several dogs at property Vick owned on Moonlight Road in Surry County in mid-April 2007, just days before the first search warrant was executed on the property, turning a drug investigation into the one that sent Vick to prison.

It says Vick was administered a polygraph test by the FBI in October 2007 and denied taking part in the killing of dogs in mid-April. When told he had failed that part of the test, Vick recanted his story and admitted to helping hang six to eight underperforming dogs.

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, once the highest paid player in the NFL, has been suspended indefinitely by the league and his football future is uncertain. He's also in the midst of bankruptcy proceedings with $16 million in assets and $20.4 million in liabilities.

Peace, who also was convicted in the case, said there were times he suggested that dogs unwilling to fight be given away, but that Vick said "they got to go," meaning be killed.

The dogs were killed by shooting, hanging, electrocution and drowning, and in at least one instance, according to one of the witnesses, when Vick and Phillips killed a red pit bull by "slamming it to the ground several times before it died, breaking the dog's back or neck."

When he finally admitted to his role in the dogfighting operation, Vick also said he purchased his first pull bull, named "Champagne," while a student at Virginia Tech in 1999. The dog was never used in fights, but was bred with other dogs, according to the report.

Champagne was among the 53 pit bulls seized from the home in a raid in April 2007.

Comments

[MagisterLudi]

Vic's DOGma just ran over his karma.

[robXdion]

It's really amazing to see this deep irrational hatred for a black man ALREADY in jail doing his time for crimes committed. No, wait. Actually it's NOT amazing. I see this all the time. White males sit around on the job in their free time they're riffing about the black male athletes with all the money and popularity. While in one breath they marvel at their physical ability, they then turn around and cry about "arrogant black guys".

This is really about racial jealously. The man is in jail for crimes he committed and yet people are not satisfied. They want to see him physically harmed. They want to see this "black buck" strung up to satisfy their own inadequacy and insecurities. Events like this with the accompanying overblown anger is really a conduit for non-blacks to release their hatred of blacks in a safe, socially acceptable way without getting their @sses kicked.

Michael Vick can serve his time and rehabilitate his image. Meanwhile, some of you will STILL be wishing he returns to jail while seething at his abilities and salary. All because you are insecure bigots who can't deal with knowing there's a black man who's outdone you. Michael Vick will be living his life while you dummies are still here typing away like Al Queda in a cave screaming, "Death to Michael Vick!"

And that's just pitiful, LOL!

[MagisterLudi]

Hot air gently blows.

[MagisterLudi]

Vick placed pets in the ring against pit bulls owned by "Bad Newz Kennels" at least twice and watched as the pit bulls "caused major injuries."

Vick and co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips "thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to Bad Newz Kennels injure or ki l l the other dogs."

Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls and thought it was funny watching the trained k i ll ers injure or ki l l the helpless dogs,

[MyVesta]

For all you Vick fanatics, here are the charges, since you never actually read them ... otherwise, would you really be so ignorant, uncivilised and just plain backward?

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick14.html

Oh, and please do let me know which part of the brutality you found acceptable. Oh -- and, for the record, Vick plead guilty to everything.

[MyVesta]

Michael Vick: American Hero:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1124081vick1.html

Michael Vick, financial guru:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/1113081vick1.html

Michael Vick, ladies man:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0405051vick1.html

There's just SO much to love about this guy. Not.

[MyVesta]

Never-ending saga ... must be those evil "wealthy, white guys" over at ESPN, I guess:

http://theblackwarrior.wordpress.com/2007/08/29/michael-vick-goes-to-the-dogs/

[mlr710]

LMAO@ these comments because for every one on this board shrilling for Vick to be lynched, its three over on ESPN saying they hope their team signs him.

[robXdion]

Prison isn't good enough. They want to see Vick strung up and castrated. This is why blacks rally to his defense because non-blacks cross the line. Their zeal for justice becomes a bloodlust that can only be described by deep rooted racism they can release in an acceptable fashion. It's sickening.

Comments like, "He was born a criminal" are great for Internet Heroes. But they would pi ss their pants if actually face to face with Michael Vick. Many of these people wouldn't even comment on Sarah Palin's cruelty to wolves and polar bears. And that's the problem with all this whining.

[MagisterLudi]

Ah, the usual IWB ( innocent while Black) syndrome. Lovely.

This is why blacks rally to his defense because non-blacks cross the line."

Those who genuinely care for the African Americans would benefit their community by defending AAs WHO ARE ACTUALLY INNOCENT!!!! Not on despicable people like Vic.
Ever considered that? Obviously not.

[MyVesta]

robXdion: Zzzzzzzzzz.

Did you read the article? Did you read all of the posts?

Didn't think so.

Truly your knee-jerk "anybody against Michael Vick is a racist" is so tiresome. So very tiresome.

Fact of the matter is he is a violent, convicted felon. Nobody has suggested he be "strung up and castrated" -- yawn. I, myself, smiled when I read that Vick is earning .12 cents an hour washing dishes in prison.

BTW, did you actually read the article? Are you capable of reading the legal documentation publicly available? What part of Vick's sadistic behaviour do you find so heroic? So acceptable?

"The dogs were killed by shooting, hanging, electrocution and drowning, and in at least one instance, according to one of the witnesses, when Vick and Phillips killed a red pit bull by "slamming it to the ground several times before it died, breaking the dog's back or neck."

That you would defend a violent, sadistic thug based purely on upon his race is despicable, ignorant and backward in every way imaginable. You're probably one of those people panting outside the locker-room hoping to get his autograph. Sad.

[MagisterLudi]

Vick placed pets in the ring against pit bulls owned by "Bad Newz Kennels" at least twice and watched as the pit bulls "caused major injuries."

Vick and co-defendants Purnell Peace and Quanis Phillips "thought it was funny to watch the pit bull dogs belonging to Bad Newz Kennels injure or ki l l the other dogs."

Michael Vick put family pets in rings with pit bulls and thought it was funny watching the trained k i ll ers injure or ki l l the helpless dogs,

[MyVesta]

You know what? Even if Vick is out by next summer, he'll be back in following one parole violation or another.

This guy is a born criminal. He lies at every opportunity. Remember how he was going to prove his innocence? And then, whilst awaiting is prison sentence, he failed a drug test? As well as a polygraph test?

He's a common thug. He'll be doing a lot more time. Guaranteed.

[mlr710]

Yeah...because he fits your "profile" I'm sure.

[MyVesta]

Convicted, violent felon. Yeah, that fits my "profile" of a convicted, violent felon.

BTW, I haven't read anything here about Vick being lynched. Must be your over-reactive imagination. You know, like all those "white guys" at ESPN who conspired to pay Vick $100million and then caused him to fight dogs. Oooh. Scary. Oh, wait, Vick started fighting dogs when he was a teenager. Oops.

Really, your kneejerk athlete/vi­ctimisatio­n stereotypes/excuses are incredibly passe.

[Shannon2008]

"He's a common thug. He'll be doing a lot more time. Guaranteed."

I think we just found our next Supreme Court justice.

This is kinda like that commercial that says what if fire fighters ran our government.

No thanks. I don't want fire fighters to decide if my children should fight in a war. I don't want roadies to fly my plane.

It's just not that simple.

[MyVesta]

Not to worry, Shannnon2008. Vick doesn't need any outside interference -- or Supreme Court justice -- to land himself back in prison. He's fully capable in that regard.

Recidivism. Ever heard of it?

Sorry that you live your life and form your opinions vis-a-vis television commercials. I'm sure you could find your way to a formal education via more traditional avenues.

Have a lovely evening.

[robXdion]

What makes him a "born criminal"? He was a "born multi-million dollar QB" a few years ago.

What do you base your psychic prediction on?

[Rudderman]

As we've seen from certain comments here, numerous people in this supposedly civilized country, have little problem with violence against animals. Sadly, it takes the actions and conviction of a celebrity like Vic to shine a light on one of the worst aspects of this inhumane behavior. The reality is that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who care deeply about all living things and those who could care less. (Great white hunter Palin babbling away in front a turkey slaughter leaves no doubt where she stands)
Republican policies regarding the environment (and the world's creatures) continue to be so backward and destructive, it's truly frightening.
Somehow, here in Massachusetts, we recently voted to eliminate Dog Racing by the year 2010. It’s a small step for sure, but decidedly, one in the right direction.

[MyVesta]

Well said.

[Shannon2008]

This is a joke right. There must be a lot of philantropists on this board that care deeply enough about the poor in this country that they would spend their time feeding the hungry over the holidays.

We know that you care deeply for animals, and someone needs to be an advocate for them. But it is wrong to recriminalize someone who has paid their debt.

I would be crass and say that there are more people on this board who would stop and help a wounded animal rather than stop someone from harassing the homeless.

Our judicial system is becoming a tool for advocates to push their ideology or a means for criminals to defraud their fellow citizens.

If you want to bring awareness to your cause, pay for an ad in your local newspaper. Let's not use the court system to make examples of people. The standard should be the same for everyone regardless of their status as a celebrity or the wealth they may have acquired.

It would be much better for us all, if you could present your views without the need to cite Michael Vick's name. We all contribute to the judicial system and we should all be treated the same. That goes for Paris Hilton and Martha Stewart.

[MyVesta]

Um, the comments are based on the article: Witness: Vick Forced Family Pets to Battle Killer Pit Bulls for Laughs.

I didn't see Martha Stewart mentioned. Funny that. Nor Paris Hilton. Oh, yeah, that's right, because we're commenting on the convicted felon: Michael Vick.

[NewArtz]

A great deal of bloodlust is being attributed to Vick by others who seem to have as much bloodlust for Vick. Are you being entertained by violence? Well, if you watch mainstream entertainment you are. Lusting for violence is extremely common in our American society, and is something we have deliberately and consistently promoted throughout the whole world as we operate the most successful media culture on earth. In school, violent sport, such as football is not merely honored but utilized as a means for our educational facilities to make a profit from displaying children participating in it.

Violence as entertainment is robust and healthy in some of our most respected creative endeavors. When someone like Vick crosses a line then he is exposed as the sadist he is, while the rest of us sadistically wish him the worst without a tinge of conscience. When prisons are not seen as the horror houses for our lust for revenge but rather as facilities to rehabilitate humans from the culture of violence by which we become trained sadists, then perhaps we all will be thinking properly.

[mlr710]

Well said.

[MyVesta]

Very strange logic. Why, if all of our entertainment is supposedly tainted by violence, aren't there more Michael Vick's in prison?

Because the majority of people are not sadistic thugs like Vick.

Who is responsible for the way Vick turned out? His community. His family. His friends. And more importantly, his own wicked choices.

You can't blame everything on TV. Seriously.

[Nommo]

For all the people who wish violence upon Michael Vick, how many are willing to carry out such violence themselves? For all who answer yes, how are you different from Michael Vick outside of the fact that you never signed a contract to play professionally? For those of you would not, you're even worse. You lack both conviction and its concomitant pleasure.

[Eddielee]

One can only hope that if this SOB does sign with another team, wouldn't it just be so sad if he got his lousy neck broken, or maybe his testicles ripped off. Please, please, let there be a hell, and this scum burns forever.

[mlr710]

Vick will be in a halfway house in Jan and signed with a new team in Feb.

[MyVesta]

Good luck to the team and any sponsors if that is, indeed, the case.

The boycotts and picketing will be even bigger.

[mlr710]

I live in Atlanta, there wasn't any boycotting and picketing last season when this all first went down....his jersey is still the one worn most at the games NOW. NFL fans don't give a darn which is why on ESPN's board, its 2000 comments mostly of which team do people think he'll sign with and which is the best fit, not concerns on whether people who place dogs before kids will picket.

[femmyror]

What a despicable human being.

[TheWanderer]

Most sadistic behavior has a sexual component or source to it. I'll be Vick gets a big stiffie watching an animal being tortured.

[PhatP]

WARNING!!! First off let me please say this. Please do not leave your dogs tied up outside of stores, restaurants etc or left alone in cars or alone walking the neighborhood. There are professional thieves that steal family dogs and sell them to pitbull fighting operations. Cats are stolen too and used to train dogs to kill also.
LCA an animal rights group in Los Angeles uncovered a huge pet stealing ring and the results where horrible beyond belief.
That said please understand that what these people do is despicable not just because the activities are illegal but because it's cruel and morally reprehensible. That said...aga­in...There is something completely hypocritical about attacking Michael Vick for using dogs in this brutal form of entertainment when 99% of humans here also eat animals that are every bit as sentient and as dogs. When you realize that you do not have to eat animals to live a happy healthy life then you must also reflect on the reason you consume them. For the taste only and that is for pleasure. So think about it for one moment and realize that being complicit in this form of animal abuse (eating them) is really just as morally unjustifiable as killing them in your back yard for sport/ente­rtainment.
Go Vegan.

[Waitaminute]

Thank you

[sisterdebmac]

Boy you must be REALLY by Sarah Palin then, huh?

[LWkcma]

if vick did that to one of my family dogs, the criminal justice system is the last thing he would have to be worried about. by the way, there is dog fighting in the midwest, in missouri and michigan, i'm sure there isn't a state that is immune to this so called sport. where ever there are criminals there will be blood sports like this. i believe some of the reason for the outrage is that these are innocent animals made to suffer for someones entertainment. professional boxers, wrestlers, football players, etc. make a choice to engage in thier activities, not these animals. to conscienceously inflict pain on someone or something for your entertainment is just sick. vick can redeem himself but it should take time. his only true regret is that he got caught and it cost him a lot of money. rewarding him after a few years of incarceration with multi-million contracts is just wrong.

[KatDawgATL]

On this blog I've seen Vick described as sick, an animal, idiot, bastard, etc.
Where is all the "Animal Lover Outrage" for Sarah Palin.
How did fighting animals for sport become "less moral" than shooting them with high powered rifles for the same reason?

[MyVesta]

Oh, it's there.

But, in case you hadn't noticed, the article was about MICHAEL VICK.

Now, do you want to admonish us on anything else? abortion? Iraq? Afghanistan? etc. etc.

[cactusgal]

Thanks MV. There was a tremendous amount of outraged blogging about Palin's wolf-slaughtering here and elsewhere for those who were really paying attention.

[PhatP]

Katdawg, You're just not reading a lot of the comments. There is a lot of anger from animal lovers directed at Sarahcuda. The fact is that all animal abuse is morally unjustifiable yet hunting defenseless animals is legal where as what Vick does is illegal. They are both sadistic blood rituals yet duplicitous Sarah hides like so many other animal murderers behind the law. Please understand also that modern humans have a moral schizophrenia issue when it comes to killing animals. Not OK to kill cute animals that might live in our homes (dogs, cats) but perfectly OK to shoot deer, coyotes, rabbits, wolves, bears etc and perfectly yummy to torture and kill cows, pigs, chickens, lambs, and turkeys for the taste of their flesh. All done in the name of pleasure.

[mlr710]

Because the hunting industry is very powerful and run by wealthy white men. Watch ESPN on any Sat or Sun morning.

[MyVesta]

Here we go with the conspiracy theories ... was Vick tricked/manipulated into his $100million football career by the wealthy white men?

I am hoping with the change in government, this era of violent thuggery, and the blind hero worship of those who practice it, is coming to an end.

I am hoping that intellect will begin to trump violence.

It's time to start taking personal responsibility for one's actions.

[Jake the Snake]

You want to raise money to fight animal abuse around the country?

Pay-per-view.

Vick vs. The Pit Bull

Cha-ching. Animals win again!