WASHINGTON -- Statement of the Humane Society of the United States on Guilty Pleas Entered by Co-Defendants of Michael Vick

Guilty pleas by two more co-defendants in the Michael Vick case send a clear message that dogfighting is no petty crime and that anyone who engages in this conduct risks his freedom, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) said Friday.

“With now three of four co-defendants pleading guilty to dogfighting-related crimes, it’s clear that there was ugly stuff happening on Michael Vick’s property in Surry County,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “These pleas confirm that there was indeed a multi-state dogfighting operation cracked by law enforcement authorities. Now we wait on Michael Vick’s decision on how he will proceed in this case.”

For decades, The HSUS has led the fight to eliminate the scourge of animal fighting. The organization praised U.S. Atty. Chuck Rosenberg, whose Richmond, Va., office has pursued this case resolutely.

“Americans are, of course, riveted on the fate of the remaining defendant in this shocking case, Michael Vick himself. But the most important lesson has already been driven home -- dogfighting is a widespread crime and there is a renewed commitment in this nation to stamping it out,” added Pacelle. “We all need to remember that there are thousands of other cases in the nation that need priority attention.”