Karma and the Dogs Saved by Michael Vick

In July 2009, the largest dog fighting bust in U.S. history occurred in the Midwest. More than 400 dogs were seized in seven states. That number grew when more than 100 puppies were born while the dogs were in custody. The Humane Society of Missouri made sure that every one of the dogs and puppies was evaluated on an individual basis. According to HSMO officials, approximately 160 dogs were euthanized, with the rest going to rescue and shelters for adoption.

Best Friends Animal Society was able to take in four of these dogs. One of the lucky dogs was Karma. She’s sleeping at my feet as I write this post, surrounded by her two adopted siblings and a clowder of cats. Two of the other dogs that came to Best Friends in Karma’s railroad, as I like to call it, have also found their forever homes. Joy is still at the sanctuary hoping for hers.

Karma and the other "Missouri 500" dogs probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for Michael Vick.

In 2007, federal agents raided Bad Newz Kennels, arresting football star Michael Vick and his dog fighting co-conspirators. This high-profile case was a turning point in how courts, law enforcement, shelters and the public viewed dogs seized in fight busts. The Vick dogs were no longer just evidence to be tagged, photographed and destroyed. Americans rightly saw these dogs as victims and wanted justice for the dogs, not death.

The court appointed Professor Rebecca Huss as the guardian/special master to decide what to do with the dogs — a first for fight-bust dogs. Bad Rap and the ASPCA sent folks out to do behavior evaluations on each of the dogs. Huss ended up meeting every dog she was responsible for. In the end, one of the dogs, Rose, was euthanized for medical reasons. Another dog was destroyed because of temperament issues. The rest were sent to rescue groups, shelters and sanctuaries.

Best Friends Animal Society took in 22 of the most damaged dogs and renamed them the Vicktory dogs. The dogs thrived. Georgia, one of the most abused dogs, has turned into a diva, appearing on Ellen and Larry King Live. Many of the dogs have now been adopted.

The Vick case became a model for how to handle dog fighting cases, including the Missouri 500. Courts and law enforcement agencies across the country are embracing the humane trend of giving dogs rescued from fighting rings a second chance. In March, U.S. District Judge David Lawson in Detroit granted the Humane Society of Kent County custody of 11 pit bulls seized in a dog fighting bust, a ruling expected to make the animals eligible for adoption. The judge’s decision ended the bid by the Eastern District of Michigan’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to euthanize the dogs.

Even the National Animal Control Association has codified compassion in its “Disposition of Animals in Cruelty Cases” guideline. The guideline provides for behavioral evaluations of each animal, and disposition that includes transfer, adoption or alternative placement for the victims. Automatic euthanasia for the victims is no longer the norm.

Thus, Bad Newz has evolved into good news for the dogs. They are no longer considered mere property to be held and destroyed. They are individuals, victims who deserve a chance to live. Good Karma.

Photo Credit: Karma, taken by Mike Bizelli