|
SEARCH
|
|
EDUCATION ▼
DISASTERS ▼
UPDATES-NEWS ▼
HOW TO HELP ▼
ABOUT ▼
|
|
1. ACTION: Ask NFL To Release Vick Without Pay
|
|
Dr. Mr. Goodell and the Atlanta Falcons:
You may receive letters similar to mine. Please know these words reflect my sincere feelings about NFL star quarterback
Michael Vick's alleged participation in dogfighting rings. I respectfully ask the NFL and Atlanta Falcons to promptly suspend Vick without pay
and take a no-lenience stance on animal abuse.
I commend the NFL for barring Vick from training camp, in response to a federal grand jury's indictment on felony dogfighting
charges. However, the NFL's reprimand is not commensurate with the crime. Vick, along with Tony Taylor of Hampton, Purnell Peace of
Virginia Beach and Quanis Phillips of Atlanta, reportedly violated federal animal fighting laws and is accused of acquiring/training pit bulls to
fight and operating across state lines.
Vick's indictment exposed horrific cruelty. Dogs who'd lost their "game" (ability to win fights) were "sometimes put to death by
drowning, strangulation, hanging, gun shot, electrocution, or some other method." At least one dog was slammed against the ground until
dead.
The killer conferred with Vick before slaughtering another defeated dog "by wetting the dog down with water and electrocuting the
animal." At Vick's Virginia home officials uncovered over 50 pit bulls, along with fight tools such as a "rape stand" for forced breeding,
treadmills, drugs to amplify aggression, and a bloody fight pit.
Animal fighting is associated with illegal gambling, auto theft, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and acts of human
violence. Although illegal in 50 states, an underground network thrives. Dogs die from internal trauma, blood loss, shock, dehydration or
infection. Survivors subsist with wounds on their heads, throats, shoulders and legs. Ears are bloody stubs and some faces are so lacerated
dogs can hardly breathe.
Please let players and fans know celebrity never justifies illegal animal cruelty. I urge you to permanently suspend Michael Vick from the
NFL.
Thank you,
YOUR FULL NAME
ADDRESS, CITY, STATE
COUNTRY
BACK TO TOP
|
|
2. Offenders, Victims, Protestors
|
|
|
THE VICTIMS
One of the dogs removed from Vick's property is shown at the Chesapeake animal control bureau. A spokesman for the
Humane Society of the United States said on May 22 that the pit bulls at the center of the investigation likely would be euthanized once the
investigation is complete. dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vickdogfightinggallery...
|
|
|
THE LAW ENFORCERS
State and Federal officials carry out coolers of evidence to a truck as they search the grounds behind the home owned by
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in Smithfield, Va., Friday, July 6, 2007. The officials were looking for evidence in dog fighting
investigation. During an April 25 drug raid at the property, authorities seized 66 dogs, including 55 pit bulls, and equipment commonly used
in dogfighting. Various items such as treadmills and syringes seized could be typical of a legitimate breeding operation, which Vick is
registered to have. But items like a "pry bar" used to pry apart a dog's jaws, and bloodstained carpeting have raised dog fighting suspicions.
Photo: Mort Fryman, Associated Press, 4/26/07
|
|
|
THE PROTESTORS
PETA protesters carry signs and shout slogans calling for the suspension of Atlanta Falcons football player Michael Vick, outside the NFL's
headquarters in New York, Friday, July 20, 2007. Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury for his alleged involvement with dogfighting.
Photo: BEBETO MATTHEWS, Associated Press 7/20/07
BACK TO TOP
|
4. Vick Sponsors: Going, Going, Gone
RAWLINGS ENDS RELATIONSHIP WITH VICK, 7/31/07 ATLANTA � The sports goods company said it was ending its
relationship with the Atlanta Falcons quarterback because of dogfighting conspiracy charges. "Rawlings recognizes Mr. Vick has not been
convicted of the charges stemming from his recent indictment," the St. Louis company said. "However, we have determined that ending our
relationship with Mr. Vick at this time is necessary." Rawlings used Vick's image in promotional displays in stores...
NIKE suspended a lucrative contract with Vick, and REEBOK stopped sales of his No. 7 jersey. UPPER DECK
removed all Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and said it was removing Vick trading cards from NFL sets... The Associated
Press News Service. FULL STORY: nfl.com/teams/story/ATL/10276196
Rawlings joins Nike, Reebok in dropping Vick, 8/1/07 � Rawlings is the latest sporting goods manufacturer to cut ties with
Michael Vick as the Atlanta Falcons quarterback faces a federal dogfighting indictment. FULL STORY: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-rawlings.au1,0,1700574.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
UPPER DECK PULLS VICK MEMORABILIA AND CARDS, 7/28/07 CARLSBAD, CA � Upper Deck has removed all Michael Vick
autographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove the indicted quarterback's trading card from NFL sets that are scheduled to be
released in October. FULL STORY: http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/ATL/10273350
NIKE, REEBOK TAKE ACTION AGAINST VICK, 7/27/07 FLOWERY BRANCH, GA � Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Michael
Vick, while Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. Facing protests from animal-rights groups, Nike
announced it was suspending Vick's endorsement deal without pay, as well as halting sales of Vick-related shoes and other products at its
retail
stores. Since Vick has not been convicted of any crime, Nike left open the door to resume its business relationship with the star
player if he's acquitted. "We do believe Michael Vick should be afforded the same due process as any citizen in the United States," according to
the statement. "Therefore, we have not terminated our relationship." FULL STORY: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10271893
ASK NIKE TO PERMANENTLY END ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH MICHAEL VICK
Nike World Headquarters
One Bowerman Drive
Beaverton, OR 97005-6453
ph: 1-800-344-6453
Special Nike Headquarters for complaints about Michael Vick: 1-800-344-6453, option 5
Nike USA, Inc.
Consumer Services
P.O. Box 4027
Beaverton, OR 97076-4027
AIRTRAN DITCHES VICK, 6/07 � In June, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that AirTran had dropped Vick as
a commercial spokesman after his contract expired on May 8. The quarterback had done ads for the airline since 2004. dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vickdogfightinggallery,0,6972667.photogallery?coll=dp-news-local-
final&index=18
BACK TO TOP
|
|
5. The Vick Files: A Timeline In Cruelty
8/2/07: Throw Michael Vick out of the game, by Daphna Nachminovitch � It's time for Michael Vick to hang up his Falcons jersey. He
should be immediately suspended from the NFL and, if convicted of dogfighting, thrown in the slammer. People who abuse animals belong in
prison, not on the playing field. Anyone who is capable of the heinous cruelty that is detailed in Vick's damning 18-page indictment poses a
danger not only to animals but also to fellow humans... FULL STORY: opednews.com/articles/opedne_daphna_n_070802_throw_michael_vick_o.htm
|
|
|
8/1/07: Government Makes a Case, Holds Dogs as Evidence. 60 Dogs Seized From Vick's Property Sheltered In County Kennels, By
Michael S. Schmidt � More than 60 dogs seized from Michael Vick's property are sheltered here and in kennels across several counties in
southeastern Virginia. The dogs' fate remains undecided while government investigates a suspected dogfighting ring. The dogs are considered
evidence and will probably be euthanized. "Officials from our organization have examined some of these dogs and they are some of the most
aggressively trained pit bulls in the country," Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the U.S., said. "The fate of
these dogs will be up to the government, but we have recommended to them, and believe, they will be put down."
A spokeswoman at the U.S. attorney's office in Richmond described the dogs as part of the investigation and would not discuss
government
plans for them. Vick, 27, and three others � Tony Taylor, 34, of Hampton, VA; Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; and Quanis L. Phillips,
28, of
Atlanta � pled not guilty to dogfighting related charges for the operation Bad Newz Kennels.
Tyrone W. Franklin, Surry County administrator, had to sort out where the dogs were placed. Twelve of them went to the small Surry Animal
Control Pound, less than 10 miles from Vick's property. Franklin sought help from surrounding counties and shelters to take other dogs. Smith
said he did not know what would become of the animals. "They are in good shape," he said. "They are not violent to humans." FULL STORY: nytimes.com/2007/08/01/sports/football/01vick.html?th&emc=th
|
|
7/31/07: Vick's Codefendant Agrees to Plea Deal, By Michael S. Schmidt � Tony Taylor, a 34 year-old from Hampton, Va., pleaded
guilty here in United States District Court to charges of conspiring to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to
sponsoring "a dog in an animal fighting venture." Taylor, Vick and Purnell A. Peace, 35, of Virginia Beach; and Quanis L. Phillips, 28, of Atlanta,
pleaded not guilty last week in the case. But as part of his deal, Taylor signed a 13-page statement that confirmed much of what the
government asserted in its indictment of the men on July 17. Taylor outlined his involvement with the others in a dogfighting enterprise known
as Bad Newz Kennels, according to the statement. He attested to how he scouted a property for Vick to buy in Smithfield, Va., as the base for
the venture and cited numerous examples in which the group bought, trained and sponsored dogs in connection with fighting. He also said
they gambled on the fights.
The 18-page indictment against the men accuses them in graphic detail of animal cruelty. During a search of Vick's property in April, 54 pit
bulls were recovered, along with a so-called rape stand used to hold dogs in place for mating, an electronic treadmill modified for dogs, and
bloody carpeting... FULL STORY: nytimes.com/2007/07/31/sports/football/31vick.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
|
|
|
Tony Taylor makes a quick exit from court into a waiting car following his plea agreement hearing July 30, 2007, in Richmond, VA. Taylor is one
of Atlanta Falcons' star quarterback, Michael Vick's co-defendants in the case. Taylor, 34, a codefendant of Atlanta Falcon Quarterback Michael
Vick, pleaded guilty Monday to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges. Vick and two other codefendants pleaded not guilty last week to the
same charges. dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vickdogfightinggallery,
0,6972667.photogallery?coll=dp-news-local-final
|
|
7/31/07: This is not a sport � The allegations of illegal dog fighting against Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick are serious
and disturbing. While Vick is entitled to due process under our Constitution, one would have to be in denial to believe that he is innocent of any
knowledge or participation in this gruesome crime. Because of these allegations, Nike has judiciously chosen to suspend the launch of its
Michael Vick athletic shoe and he was suspended from training with the Falcons.
More repercussions are expected from the NFL even though Vick has pleaded not guilty. The 18-page federal indictment against Vick
covers a six-year period and details charges of conspiracy to commit interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and sponsoring a dog in
an animal-fighting venue. He is also alleged to have slain dogs that did not perform by electrocution, hanging and bludgeoning... FULL STORY
uticaod.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070731/NEWS05/707310304/1013
7/30/07, Vick interview: Says he's put Atlanta, Falcons owner through a lot � Michael Vick, embattled Atlanta Falcons
quarterback, told a radio interviewer that he put Atlanta and Falcons owner Arthur Blank through a difficult experience, but hopes
circumstances will allow him to play with the team again... FULL STORY: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vickinterview-jl30,0,2419370.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
7/30/07: Seeing the big picture of dog-fighting � Animal welfare organization highlights dog-fighting and other cruelty across
the United States using interactive maps. Pet-Abuse.Com, an organization nationally recognized for their efforts to implement cutting edge
technology in the fight against animal cruelty, recently launched a project that shows the public just how widespread a problem animal cruelty
really is. "Because of the extensive media coverage related to the Michael Vick dog-fighting allegations, the public is starting to see
some of the horrors that animals go through. It's been a real wake-up call for some," Pet-Abuse.Com president Alison Gianotto says. Gianotto
says although there has been tremendous media coverage on the Michael Vick dog-fighting allegations, Vick isn't the first professional athlete
to be charged with dog-fighting and animal abuse. To check out the new mapping system, visit: www.pet-abuse.com
7/29/07: Prosecution of dogfighting cases kept on short leash � Despite the blood sport's suspected popularity in the
West, serious pursuit of the crime is rare. Cases are time consuming and pricey, plus more serious offenses against people take priority,
experts
say. By Joey Bunch, Denver Post � Local, state and national animal-welfare advocates suspect the blood sport of dogfighting is growing in
the West, but prosecutions here are still a rarity - and there is no indication federal authorities have ever taken an interest in the crime as they
did in NFL star Michael Vick's case... FULL STORY: denverpost.com/headlines/ci_6495949
7/27/07: Nike Suspends Vick Contract � Nike has released the following statement: "Nike has suspended Michael Vick's contract
without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike-owned retail at this time." As a result, we have called off our planned
protests outside Nike stores around the country. Thanks to everyone who wrote to the company about this issue or attended the
demonstrations, and thanks to Nike for doing the right thing by ending its association with someone accused of torture.
Reebok has also made the decision to stop sales of Michael Vick apparel, stating: "While we respect the legal process we find the
allegations against Mr. Vick too disturbing to ignore, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail
and online through the Reebok website..." FULL STORY: blog.peta.org/archives/2007/07/victory_nike_su.php
7/26/07: Link to Larry King segment on Dog Fighting, From LauraGonzo@clearchannel.com � For those who missed it, guest host Lisa Bloom
interviews APSCA's Randall Lockwood and HSUS's John Goodman, and later Barbara Eden, Tamar Geller, and her pit bull ambassador John
Henry: cnn.com/video/#/video/
bestoftv/2007/07/27/lkl.vick.dogfighting.cnn
7/26/07: Vick pleads not guilty, RICHMOND � NFL quarterback Michael Vick pleaded not guilty to conspiracy charges related to
dogfighting today. He and his co-defendants, who also pleaded not guilty, were in U.S. District Court in Richmond today for a bond hearing and
arraignment. Vick, a Newport News native who plays football for the Atlanta Falcons, and Tony Taylor of Hampton, Purnell Peace of Virginia
Beach and Quanis Phillips of Atlanta were indicted July 17 for conspiracy to travel in interstate commerce in aid of unlawful activities and to
sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture. FULL STORY: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vickscene2.jl26,0,102424.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
7/24/07: NFL Commissioner Tells Michael Vick to Stay Out of Training Camp Amid Dogfighting Charges � Michael Vick was
ordered by commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday to stay away from the Atlanta Falcons' training camp until the league reviews the
dogfighting charges against him... FULL STORY:
foxnews.com/story/0,2933,290515,00.html
7/22/07: Suspend Michael Vick Now. NFL Commissioner Sending Wrong Message � The recent indictment of National Football
League quarterback Michael Vick et al. contains some of the most egregious, wanton acts of inhumanity toward animals ever reported in the
sports world. The evidence as a whole, much too gruesome and extensive to repeat, leaves even lawyers such as ourselves with little doubt
about its validity. Yet Commissioner Roger Goodell has chosen to stand behind (actually next to, in his press conference) the quarterback,
vowing to let the legal process "determine the facts..." FULL STORY: courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/
hccommentarydogs0722.artjul22,0,5457050,full.story
7/21/07: Kerry wants NFL to suspend Vick. The Massachusetts senator will introduce legislation to crack down on dogfighting. By
David Lerman � Sen. John Kerry called Friday for the immediate suspension of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and promised
legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal dogfighting... FULL STORY: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-90176sy0jul21,0,2361400.story?coll=dp-
commnews
7/20/07: Sen. Byrd labels dogfighters barbaric. The dean of the Senate wonders whether the real animals are those watching the dogs
fighting. By Charles Babington, Washington Post � Allegations of a vicious dogfighting ring prompted an unusually emotional speech in
the Capitol Thursday, as the Senate's longest-serving member fought tears and called for God's judgment on those who promote such
activities... FULL STORY:
dailypress.com/news/local/dp-4604sy0jul20,0,5612893.story?coll=dp-commnews
VIDEOS
Dogfight Part I: Michael Vick vs. Senator Robert Byrd: youtube.com/watch?
v=qT3zrs4xR8M
Dogfight Part II: Michael Vick vs. Senator Robert Byrd: youtube.com/watch?v=mX9HRMDvZ_0&NR=1
Dogfight Part III: Michael Vick vs. Senator Robert Byrd: youtube.com/watch?
v=ACotE_dgt-k&NR=1
7/20/07: Old law applies in Vick case - The new federal law makes dogfighting a felony but was signed after the NFL
star's case began. By Veronica Gorley Chufo, Surry � Tougher dogfighting penalties that were signed into law May 3 could not be used
against Michael Vick and three others indicted in the Surry County case. But an animal cruelty expert said the new penalties will lead to more
prosecutions nationwide. Vick, a Newport News native and Atlanta Falcons quarterback, and three others were charged with conspiracy to travel
across state lines "to further an unlawful activity" and to sponsor a dog in an animal-fighting venture. The travel portion of the indictment is a
felony. The dogfighting portion is a misdemeanor. In the new law, dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison... FULL
STORY: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-88938sy0jul20,0,4060747.story?coll=dp-news-local-final
PHOTOS & VIDEOS: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-vicksurryprop,0,1600753.storygallery?coll=dp-news-local-final
|
Photos: Karen Tam / AP. Christopher Barth / Gloucester County Times-AP
|
|
7/18/07: An Ugly World, Michael Vick's dogfighting charges bring the cruel activity into the headlines. But animal-rights activists say the
practice is nothing new and is growing in popularity. By Steve Tuttle, Newsweek � Minnie, a brown pit bull-boxer mix with white feet,
was tied to a tree when she was a puppy and repeatedly attacked by other dogs as part of a dogfight training exercise in Louisville, KY. She was
rescued after abusers left her for dead, her torn flesh riddled with infections. Dogs trained for fighting (like dog in photo confiscated by animal
control officials) can be worth thousands of dollars to owners, who sometimes sell videotapes of the bloody matches... msnbc.msn.com/id/19836601/site/newsweek.
|
6. Timeline Of Dogfighting Events, From Federal Filing
SOURCE: dailypress.com/news/local/dp-now-dogfightingtimeline.0730,0,2503347.story?coll=dp-newslocal-
final
Early 2001: Taylor, Phillips and Vick decide to start a dog-fighting venture. Peace
joins the operation later in the year.
May 2001: Taylor identifies the property at 1915 Moonlight Road as a suitable location for housing and training pit bulls for
fighting.
June 2001: Vick pays $30,000 for the purchase of the Moonlight Road property.
2001: Vick and his codefendants start acquiring pit bull dogs for the fighting operation from various locations outside of
Virginia.
On or about Sept. 11, 2001: Phillips, Tayor and Vick purchase four pit bull puppies for about $1,000 from an individual in
Williamsburg. One of these is a male named "Magic."
Early 2002: Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick establish "Bad Newz Kennels" and continue developing the Moonlight Road property
for the dogfighting venture.
Spring 2002: Peace, Phillips and Taylor, representing Bad Newz Kennels, travel from Virginia to North Carolina with a male pit
bull named "Seal" to fight against another male pit bull named "Maniac." The purse for the fight is established at about $500 per side, for a
total
of approximately $1,000. "Seal" lost the fight and the purse for Peace, Phillips and Taylor.
Summer 2002: Peace, Phillips, Tayor and Vick continued to "roll" or "test" dogs by putting them through fighting sessions at the
Moonlight Road property. At this time Peace and Phillips each executed at least one dog, and Taylor executed at least two dogs that did not do
well in testing.
Late 2002: Bad Newz Kennels hosts several dog fights at the Moonlight Road property. Among them, a dog fight between
Maniac,
from North Carolina and Zebro, owned by an unknown person who is aided by Taylor and Vick; a fight between a Bad Newz Kennel dog, Chico,
and a dog from Alabama; and a "Grand Champion Fight" (where each dog is fighting for his fifth win) between male pit bills from North Carolina
and Maryland.
Peace, Phillips and Taylor also travel from Virginia to Maryland to sponsor a Bad Newz Kennel female pit bull named Jane
against another female owned by Show Biz Kennels of New York. Jane prevails over the other dog and earns the trio a purse of $2000.
Spring 2003: Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick and two other individuals travel from Virginia to North Carolina with Jane to
participate in a fight with another female pit bull, owned by an unknown individual Jane prevails.
An unknown individual with a male pit bull travels from South Carolina to Virginia for a dog fight hosted by Bad Newz Kennels. Pit bull "Big
Boy," sponsored by Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick, fights the North Carolina dog. Big Boy prevails, winning the purse of roughly $3,000.
Fall 2003: Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick, representing Bad Newz Kennels, travel from Atlanta, Ga., to South Carolina with a
male
pit bull named Magic to participate in a dog fight against another male pit bull owned by unknown individuals from South Carolina. Magic
prevails.
An individual, referred to as "Cooperating Witness #3" in the indictment, travels from North Carolina to Surry County with a
male pit bull dog to participate in a fight with another male pit bull named Tiny, owned by Bad Newz Kennels. Bad Newz Kennels hosts the
fight at the Moonlight Road property, and Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick sponsor Tiny in the fight, putting up the established purse of $3,500
for their side. Tiny prevails, winning the purse of $7,000.
Late 2003: Peace, Phillips and Taylor and another individual travel from Virginia to New Jersey with Jane for a fight against an
unknown female pit bull owned by unknown individuals. The purse is established at about $5,000 per side, for a total of about $10,000. Jane
prevails, winning the purse.
Unknown individuals travel from New Jersey to Virginia to participate in a fight against Big Boy of Bad Newz Kennels. Peace, Phillips, Taylor
and Vick sponsor Big Boy in the fight, which takes place at the Moonlight Road property. Big Boy prevails over the dog from
New Jersey.
Early 2004: Unknown individuals travel from Maryland to Virginia with a male pit bull to fight with another male pit bull named
"Too Short," owned by Bad Newz Kennels, which also hosts the fight. Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick sponsor Too Short, who prevails in the
fight.
Spring 2004: Unknown individuals travel from New Jersey to Virginia with a male pit bull for a dog fight against Big Boy, owned
by Bad Newz Kennels and sponsored by Peace, Phillips, Taylor and Vick. Bad Newz Kennels also hosts the fight at the Moonlight Road property.
Big Boy prevails.
September 2004: Taylor departs from the Bad Newz Kennels dog fighting venture following a disagreement with Phillips and
others.
SOURCE: United States District Court Filing
|
|
direct send
sample letter
go to petition instead
|
how to email a letter:
- Copy LETTER below. Paste into an email.
- Change some words. Sign name, address, country.
- Copy EMAIL ADDRESSES. Paste in TO: line of an email.
SEND letter from your email program.
|
how to fax or mail a letter:
- Open sample letter as a DOC or PDF.
- Change some words. Sign name, address, country.
- Print letter to fax or mail using CONTACT INFORMATION on this page or in the DOC or PDF.
|
|
