Future of Vick dogs still unclear

RICHMOND , Va., Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A plan detailing the future of 50 pit bulls seized in the Michael Vick dogfighting case is expected to be filed in federal court in Richmond, Va., next week.

Court papers filed Thursday said two pit bulls died while in the custody at the Surry County pound earlier this summer, The Virginian-Pilot reported Friday.

A U.S. District Court judge will decide the fate of the dogs in as early as two to three weeks.

Thursday was the deadline to file papers with the court claiming ownership of the pit bulls, but no one stepped forward.

The dogs are being evaluated to determine whether they can be rehabilitated.

Vick is expected to plead guilty in the case and three co-defendants have already admitted their roles in the dogfighting operation.

After hearing the dogs might be put to sleep, animal lovers have flooded the U.S. attorney's office and the office of U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson with pleas to spare the canines.

However, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and the Humane Society of the United States recommended euthanasia as the only option for dogs trained to fight, The Pilot said.