Fwd: Breaking News: Michael Vick Sentenced to 23 Months for Dogfighting

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Animal Legal Defense Fund <enews wrote: cherishedspiritFrom: Animal Legal Defense Fund <enewsBreaking News: Michael Vick Sentenced to 23 Months for DogfightingMon, 10 Dec 2007 12:45:00 -0800 Having trouble viewing this email? Read it on our website or forward it to a friend by clicking this link: http://www.aldf.org/news/details.php?id=338 Breaking News!Michael Vick Sentenced to 23 Months for Dogfighting! Michael Vick, ex-quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was sentenced to 23 months in prison this morning for financing "Bad Newz Kennels," his dogfighting operation, and viciously killing dogs that his kennel used in fights. He was also ordered to pay more than $928,000 for the care of the 54 dogs seized from his property. ALDF applauds U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson's sentence, as it exceeds the 12-18 month sentence recommend by the U.S. Attorney, and it takes into account the cost of care for the dogs rescued from Vick's fighting operation. The Michael Vick case made headlines around the nation--and around the globe--but as we know from the number of cases reported to ALDF week after week, dogfighting is a national epidemic. Sadly, unlike the

high-profile Michael Vick case, most cases of dogfighting go unnoticed by the media, and find dogfighters receiving weak sentences if convicted. Three ways you can help combat dogfighting today: Contact your federal legislators and urge them to support the addition of dogfighting as a predicate offense in the federal RICO laws. Let them know they can get info on ALDF’s proposed amendment by contacting legislation. Report any suspected dogfighting activity or neglected animals to your local law enforcement. Donate to ALDF so we can keep working for stronger laws that protect animals and put animal abusers like Michael Vick behind bars! What next? Although animal fighting is illegal in all 50 states, the Animal Legal Defense Fund is working to make such crimes easier to prosecute and punishable by stronger penalties. ALDF has drafted a recommended amendment to state laws that would enable prosecutors to charge dogfighters under the

respective state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act (commonly referred to as "RICO") statute. Applied to animal fighting, RICO – which was originally designed to be a weapon against a wide variety of organized criminal efforts, including drug dealing and gambling – would give prosecutors increased muscle in seeking justice for the animals abused, and, as in the Vick case, even executed by their owners. Thirty-two states currently have RICO statutes to which this amendment could be applied; in addition, the federal RICO Act could – and should – be amended to include any animal fighting activity as a predicate act. Such an amendment would provide for longer jail sentences for dogfighters, larger fines, and the forfeiture of the assets used in the illegal activity and the gains generated from the criminal enterprise. Help us put an end to dogfighting and create strong

laws for animals so criminals like Michael Vick receive meaningful sentences! Contact your federal legislators, report any suspected dogfighting activity or neglected animals, and donate to ALDF so we can keep fighting for the animals. Thank you for all that you do to help animals! Stephen WellsExecutive Director Visit our website for additional Actionline cases that need your attention! Support ALDF in our mission to win the case against cruelty. Donate today! Stay informed! Sign up for ALDF's eNewsletter. Animal Legal Defense Fund170 East Cotati Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931Phone: (707) 795-2533 • Fax: (707) 795-7280E-mail: info • Web: www.aldf.org Un | Update Profile | Confirm

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