UPDATE - Investigation of Vick's property continues
April 26, 2007 09:07 PM CDT
"I've seen Michael walking dogs, but it didn't look like a fighting dog," said next door neighbor Earnest Hardy.
Investigators are still on the scene Thursday night, nearly 24 hours after the start of the search of the property owned by Atlanta Falcons' quarterback Michael Vick.
Hardy said he hears dogs at all times in the night.
Officials took away several pieces of evidence throughout the day, including a scale with a hook on it used for weighing dogs.
Police said they plan to wrap up their investigation sometime tomorrow afternoon.
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Initial drug investigation turns up suspected dog fighting setup on Michael Vick's property
Investigators were originally working on a suspected drug case when they went to Michael Vick's property on Wednesday. On arrival, officials surprisingly discovered a suspected dog fighting setup.
Animal control officers said this is one of the biggest dog fighting cases they have ever seen. Extra help had to be called in from other jurisdictions to help with the investigation.
"Some had significant scarring. Some had wounds. Some had eye problems," said Kathy Strouse from Chesapeake Animal Control.
Court documents stated that 30 animals were found tethered to heavy logging chains attached to car axles buried in the ground. Equipment used to train fighting dogs was found on the property, including treadmills, chains, whips and injectable drugs.
There was no food, water or veterinary care for the animals.
Agents with the regional drug task force were initially investigating Davon Boddie, who lives in Vick's house. Last week, Hampton police charged Boddie with alleged Possession with Intent to Sell. They found bags of marijuana in his car and a gun under the passenger's seat.
Officials were investigating for more evidence when they stumbled upon the dogs behind the house.
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Investigation of activities on property owned by Michael Vick widens
The investigation into activities at a palatial home owned by NFL quarterback Michael Vick deepened Thursday after investigators found substantial evidence that several dogs kept on the property were being used for fighting.
Animal control officer told WAVY News that they found 70 dogs on the property. Most of the animals are pitbulls. Some had injuries and scars. Many were malnourished.
Amidst the evidence found was something called a "rape stand"; a device used to tether a female dog so male dogs can have easy access to the female for breeding.
A State Police spokesperson confirmed that the department was working with a regional drug task force. They searched the property looking for evidence and a person. The spokesperson would not tell WAVY News what the evidence is that they were searching for or who the person is.
