Details of dog-fighting arise in Vick case

RICHMOND, Va., July 15 (UPI) -- The dogfighting that allegedly took place on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's property followed strict guidelines, federal authorities have found.

Federal prosecutors recently detailed in U.S. District Court documents the stringent rules used at the alleged dogfighting ring on property owned by Vick in Surry County, Va., The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday.

While no charges have been filed yet in the case, federal prosecutors have made it clear such dogfighting efforts are illegal under current federal law.

The Falcons quarterback has repeatedly denied having any involvement with the alleged operation, which prosecutors allege was run by the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting organization.

The court documents detail how those in charge of the alleged dogfighting activities had imposed strict regulations to minimize cheating.

The investigation also reportedly learned many of the dogs used in the suspected ring were starved in order to make them more aggressive in matches.

The newspaper said prosecutors did not reveal where they had learned about the details surrounding the purported ring.