From ANIMAL PEOPLE, June 2007:
WASHINGTON D.C.–Sixty-six pit bull terriers seized from a
15-acre property in Surry County, Virginia owned by Atlanta Falcons
quarterback Michael Vick on April 25, 2007 upstaged the signing
eight days later of a landmark federal anti-animal fighting bill.
Signed by U.S. President George Bush on May 3, 2007, the
bill created federal felony penalties for transporting animals across
state lines to fight. Previously a misdemeanor, the offense now may
be punished with up to three years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Vehemently opposed by gamecock fighters and breeders, the
bill had received more coverage as it moved through Congress than any
other recent animal-related bill not having to do with endangered
species.
But the signing of animal fighting bill was relegated to
bottom paragraphs of coverage of the Vick case, the most recent and
sensational of a string of incidents involving alleged fighting dogs
and professional athletes–especially football players.
No one had been charged yet in the Vick case, as of May 28.
At least six agencies at the federal, state, and local levels were
reportedly reviewing the evidence to determine whether crimes had
been committed, and if so, what charges should be filed against
whom. From six to 10 people, including Vick, had been mentioned
in news reportage for having some possible involvement.
The case heated up on May 27, after the ESPN program Outside
The Lines broadcast an interview with a source identified as a
confidential police informant, who claimed to have witnessed Vick
participating in dogfighting-related activity, beginning in 2000,
when Vick played for Virginia Tech.

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