As reported by various sources including the Associated Press and Thesmokinggun.com, after months of investigation, Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick, along with three other men, was indicted on federal conspiracy charges for his involvement in a major dog fighting operation based out of his Virginia home. The indictment, entered in Richmond, Virginia, details the origins of the operation with the establishment of “Bad Newz Kennels” with the purchasing of a number of pit bull puppies in 2001. Eventually, the property served as the location for numerous dog fights, some of which had purses of up to $26,000. The indictment also discusses Vick’s alleged direct involvement in the execution of 8 pit bulls that either lost fights or did not show prowess during training.  Among the methods used was electrocution, hanging, shooting, and at least one dog was slammed into the ground.  

If convicted, Vick could face up to six years in prison and $350,000 worth of fines, in addition to possible action by the NFL.

The majority of the dogs removed from the property were humanely euthanized.

The full indictment can be viewed at http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0717072vick1.html