Earlier this year, it was announced that a Pennsylvania animal rights group was interested in purchasing NFL star Michael Vick’s former Virginia home and turning it into a rehabilitation center for dogs. Now it seems that they’ve turned their wish into a reality, announcing that they’ll soon close a deal to purchase the former dogfighting compound.
According to msn.foxsports.com, Dogs Deserver Better made the announcement on their website earlier this month and will dub the new place, Good Newz Rehab Center, a direct contrast to Vick’s former title for the home, Bad Newz Kennels.
“Our loan for the Good Newz Rehab Center has been approved by the bank! We hope to close on this property by May 15, and we will be TRANSFORMING the Bad Newz Kennels,” wrote the group.
The 4,600-square-foot house and 15-acre property was purchased by an investor shortly after Vick was arrested on dogfighting charges. The group says that they’ve secured $177,650 to put down towards the purchase of the $595,000 home but are asking visitors to donate to the effort, which is in need of $6,000 before the new closing date, May 27, 2011. According to latimes.com, the group will need $3 million to purchase the site, install fencing and build a facility for the dogs.
The group’s founder, Tamira Thayne, said that the center will be state of the art and will provide treatment for dogs forced to live in chains and pens. The center will also feature a memorial for the dogs that were killed on the site.
Vick, who now works with the Humane Society’s “End Dogfighting” campaign, spent 19 months in federal prison following his conviction on dogfighting charges. After his release, the former Atlanta Falcons star resumed his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
What do you think of Vick’s old home being turned into a rehab center for dogs?
–nicholas robinson
