Michael Vick Sentenced Today!!

As most of you know, Michael Vick pled guilty earlier this year to bankrolling an illegal dog fighting ring. Today, his sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson, the punishment? 23 months in prison. In August of this year, he pled guilty to funding “Bad Newz Kennels” and to helping kill six or eight Pit Bulls.

The Federal Government allows early release on good behavior and if Vick qualifies, he will be out in 2009. The most Vick could have received was 5 years in prison but his punishment seems to go along with what his co-defendants received. They were both sentenced on November 30 and 18 and 21 month prison terms.

The prosecution in the case was only asking for 18-21 months, but the judge looked at the severity of the case and decided on a harsher sentence. Vick turned himself in on Nov. 19th and began serving his prison time then (therefore this amount is deducted from his sentence). Details earlier this year came out and the facts surrounding the murders of the animals who did not perform well were incredibly disturbing.

Gathered at the courthouse were people both in support of Vick and against him. One person had her small Beagle wore a sign reading “Dogfighters use dogs like me for bait”. Another person proudly wore Vick’s number 7 jersey, stating he didn’t support what Vick did to the animals, but believes his apology is real and that he is truly sorry.

The best thing we as a society can learn from this case is to report and incidents or suspicious behavior at once! If you see anything, call your local authorities and get them involved!

Read more about the Michael Vick case here.

Thanks for reading!  As always your participation in comments and discussions are encouraged and greatly appreciated!!