The ASPCA Responds to News That Dogs Seized In Michael Vick Case Are Up For Adoption

NEW YORK, November 13, 2007—The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today said it was delighted that the nine beagles, two Rottweilers and one 100-pound-plus dog of unknown breed, who happened to be on Michael Vick's Surrey County property when the federal investigation first began this year and thus far under the care of County officials, have been relinquished to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) for further adoption.

“While these dogs were never part of the federal case against Michael Vick and his co-defendants,” said ASPCA President & CEO Ed Sayres, “they were caught up in the series of events that transpired simply by virtue of being on the property. We are extremely pleased that these 'collateral victims' will not suffer collateral damage, as it were, and get a second chance at having a loving home and quality life."

Earlier this year, the ASPCA led a team of animal behavior experts in evaluating the dogs seized from Vick’s Virginia property by federal officials and, following that, made recommendations to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Attorney’s office regarding their disposition. The ASPCA continues to assist in the case and is working closely with the Guardian/Special Master of the dogs, Rebecca Huss, to further evaluate the dogs. Due to the sensitive nature of the evaluations and the ongoing criminal process, further details are not possible at this time.

For more information on the ASPCA, or to learn more about staying alert to animal cruelty, please visit www.aspca.org/cruelty.