The investigation into alleged dog fighting at the former Virginia home owned by Falcons quarterback Michael Vick could shine a cleansing light onto the ugly bloodsport.
"Any high-profile case that results in exposure or arrest sends a signal to others that they are playing with fire will help," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States. "There's no type of animal cruelty that comes with harsher penalties than organized dog fighting. It's a felony in 48 states and a federal felony.
"Hopefully, an unfortunate case like this with Vick brings attention and gets into the minds of those involved and causes them to say, 'Hey, I need to think about whether this is something I want to continue being a part of.'"
Could it be any more high profile than Michael Vick?
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Unfortunately, it's prevalent, said Pacelle.
"Tens of thousands of people are involved in pit bull fighting," he said. "It's glorified in rap, it's celebrated by athletes. The same impulses that caused people in the days of the Roman Empire to go to The Coliseum to see staged fights between lions and bears are in this. There is something that appeals to a segment of people in terms of bloodlust."
Former NFL players Nate Newton, Leshon Johnson and Tyrone Wheatley as well as Qyntel Woods, a first-round pick of the Portland Trail Blazers in 2002, have all been linked to dog fighting. Both Johnson and Woods were arrested and convicted of staging them.
There is not one, simple profile that fits all those who participate in dog fighting, said Pacelle.
"There is an enormous underground industry operating in almost every community in the country -- urban, suburban and rural," he said.
While the most serious dog fighters are involved in breeding and maintaining bloodlines and may fight their dogs nationally or even internationally, the most primitive groups are "street fighters; more involved with urban culture," Pacelle said.
The alleged operation at Vick's former Virginia home seemed to fall in the middle. Sixty-six animals were found on his property, many bearing the scars of organized dog fighting.
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"What are the chances we've found even 10 percent of (the pro athletes) involved," wondered Corbin. "Highly unlikely."
"If this is an indicator of a subculture of pro sports, which we think it is," said Pacelle, "the leaders of the pro sports leagues need to work with us or others to get the message out."