Authorities Break Up Germantown Dog-Fighting Ring; Michael Vick Not Involved, But Still Will Be Blamed

INQUIRER: Officers from the Pennsylvania SPCA Sunday uncovered a dog-fighting ring at an East Germantown home and rescued several badly injured pit bulls found there. Following a tip to an animal cruelty hotline, the officers discovered two dead dogs and five others at the home, in the 200 block of East Bringhurst Street. Three men, including the property owner and the alleged ringleader, are facing charges. The bust comes in the wake of the Philadelphia Eagles’ signing of quarterback Michael Vick, the country’s best-known former dog-fighter. Vick, who served 18 months in federal prison for running a dog-fighting operation, has pledged to speak out on the issue, casting a spotlight on the problem of dog-fighting in the city. Monday, the Eagles plan to host a summit of area animal welfare groups at the NovaCare complex, the team’s South Philadelphia training facility. Vick is not expected to attend. MORE

RELATED: Almost a week after the Eagles announced they had signed America’s best known convicted dog fighter, a Philadelphia man learned he will get prison time for dog fighting.

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