In the wake of the sentencing of NFL quarterback Michael Vick's codefendants in the federal dogfighting case, Vick has now been formally sentenced on federal charges. Vick has been sentenced to 23 months in prison for financing a dogfighting ring and for his part in the killing of pit bulls who did not fight aggressively. He also received three years' probation.
Given the magnitude of public outcry surrounding this case and the atrocities outlined in Vick's indictment, federal officials have seen fit to treat these crimes seriously. We hope that the state's prosecution of this case will be equally as fitting for this egregious crime.
Vick and his codefendants will also be tried on state charges, and prosecution of this case falls to the office of Surry County Commonwealth Attorney Gerald G. Poindexter. Please use the form below to urge Mr. Poindexter to follow the precedent set forth by the federal sentencing and prosecute Vick to the fullest extent of the law.
Call on Mr. Poindexter to ensure that dogfighters receive the maximum penalties, including incarceration; a permanent prohibition on having ownership, custody, or control of animals (as is allowed by state law); and any necessary psychiatric intervention.
Respectfully remind Mr. Poindexter that a vigorous prosecution of this and any cruelty case—and the pursuit of stringent penalties against animal abusers upon conviction—is in the best interests of the county's human and animal residents and sends the message that the defenseless must be safeguarded and that cruelty will not be tolerated.
Please send your polite comments to:
The Honorable Gerald G. Poindexter
Commonwealth Attorney
Surry County Commonwealth Attorney's Office
P.O. Box 358
Surry, VA 23883-0358
Personalized letters always work best. Feel free to use the following text, but your message will carry more weight if you customize it.
