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Friday, December 07, 2007

Courts - Still more on "Motion suggests guardian to oversee dogs seized from Vick home"

Updating this ILB entry from Oct. 17th, the Gary Post-Tribune is reporting:

A Valparaiso University law professor has recommended that the remaining 47 pit bulls seized from suspended NFL star Michael Vick's dogfighting operation be placed with rescue organizations

Rebecca J. Huss, an animal law expert and court-appointed guardian for the dogs, submitted a summary report to the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia this week, as the latest step in the process of overseeing the placement or euthanasia of dogs from Vick's Bad Newz Kennels operation.

One dog was recently euthanized for medical reasons, according to a news release from Valparaiso University School of Law.

"With the experienced care they will provide these dogs, I foresee that many will eventually be able to be adopted by members of the public," Huss said.

Huss recommended the dogs be placed with eight organizations, including 22 to Best Friends Animal Society in Utah and 10 to Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls in California. The animals have been held in shelters in Virginia since April, when they were seized in a raid on Vick's property in Surry County, Va.

On Tuesday, federal prosecutors filed a motion urging U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson to adopt Huss' recommendations. The motion includes a report from Huss detailing her work, which included trips to Virginia to interact with the dogs and their caretakers and speak with animal control officers and rescue groups.

Posted by Marcia Oddi on December 7, 2007 07:57 AM
Posted to Courts in general