Animal advocates ask investigation of Vick

An animal-rights group said yesterday it has asked for an investigation of alleged dogfighting on land in Surry County owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

The Humane Society of the United States said a search warrant for the property was issued yesterday and law enforcement officers found dogs in a state of neglect, some with wounds and scars.

"We urge law enforcement to aggressively investigate this matter, and we further believe that anyone who harbors dogs for the purpose of fighting deserves to be fully prosecuted [for] their crimes," Wayne Pacelle, the society's president and CEO, said in a statement.

Surry Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter said late yesterday afternoon that there is an investigation but no allegation that Vick was conducting dogfights at the property.

"We certainly have not made any allegation," he said. "I'm surprised the Humane Society took the leap that they did."

Poindexter said three or four of the dogs discovered at the property needed medical attention. A number of dogs were at the property, but not as many as 70, which had been alleged, he said.

Poindexter said Vick has owned about 20 acres in the county for about six years. Several years ago, neighbors complained about barking, but Poindexter said he knows of no matter involving the dogs that has ended up in court.

Meanwhile, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced yesterday that it has asked the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL to suspend Vick pending the outcome of the investigation. -- Jamie C. Ruff