Vick ' s dogs: Background on the evaluation process

While I was sucked into the vortex of deadline hell (and it's still not over; I have two long pieces due tomorrow) Gina blogged about the court's disposition of Michael Vick's dogs. I just stumbled across the actual court document, and it has a lot of fascinating information about the individual dogs and their evaluations.

An allocation of $5,000 per dog was made if based on the evaluations and information available, it appears reasonably likely that after a period of time in a foster home where behavior could be assessed and training would occur, these dogs could be adopted by members of the public.



An allocation of $20,000 per dog was made if based on the evaluations and information available, a dog is likely to spend a significant amount of time, if not the dog’s remaining lifetime, in an environment that will control the dog’s interaction with people or other animals while it receives necessary socialization and training. The environment may consist of a foster home or sanctuary environment depending on the needs of the dog. The need to control a dog’s interaction with people is to make certain that a dog that is shy or withdrawn has only positive interactions with people. After meeting certain standards of behavior and a period of time in a foster home where behavior can continue to be assessed and training could occur, most of these dogs could be adopted by members of the public.



The agreement that each rescue organization would enter into with the USDA-OIG would set out the circumstances under which the rescue organization may either adopt the dog to a member of the public or transfer the dog to another rescue organization. In addition, the agreement would contain language that provides that the organizations may only euthanize a dog under certain specified circumstances. Due to the ongoing criminal proceedings, each of the rescue organizations has agreed not to disclose anything about the dogs unless prior approval of such disclosure has been granted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. After the final sentencing in the federal proceedings, the organizations would be allowed to discuss the dogs as they would any other dogs under their care unless the dogs’ safety would be compromised.

Read the whole thing here (PDF file).

Comments

[Lynn]

Thanks for providing this, Christie. Having read the entire Summary Report by Guardian/Special Master Huss, it appears to be a very thorough report, based on very detailed investigation, consultation with experts in the matter, and personal observation. Ms. Huss has done an outstanding job of managing this project and providing a comprehensive report. I especially appreciated that she did not rely solely on recommendations from experts, but took the time and considered effort to personally make contact with the dogs. This speaks volumes.



My only comments are:



~ The stipends per dog appear to be very conservative. Contrary to some comments I've read elsewhere, I cannot see how this could be a profit situation for any of the entities charged with the care of one of more of the animals.

~ I don't know if Vick has actually deposited the estimated $900K for the animals' care. Considering the number of lawsuits filed against Vick for loans, etc., one wonders if the caretakers of the abused animals will ever see any payment.



It was US District Judge Henry Hudson who appointed Ms. Huss to this arduous task. I think she did an outstanding job and Judge Hudson certainly knew what he was doing by appointing her.



This makes me feel more comfortable that Judge Hudson will sentence Vick fairly this week.



If only Ms. Huss would run the FDA.

[Serijna]

Tks, Christie. That was a very interesting and excellent report by Prof. Huss. As far as I know, it was also already approved by Judge Hudson, since BF has reported on 12/7 they will definitely get 22 vick dogs.

Lynn, the $928,000.00 was already put in an escrow account by Vick, so the money is available.

Reading between the lines, it looks like BF might be getting most of the long term care dogs except for one. At $20,000 per dog , giving a life time of 10 years, that is only $2000.00 per year per dog. Very conservative IMO.

Also interesting that a total of 14 dogs are heading to CA.

Also wonder if that $928,000.00 was only for the evaluation/transport and long term care of the dogs and Vick will still get a big restitution bill of the local shelters for the boarding/vet care since April 2007 thru November 2007. The total amount does not seem to be enough to cover those expenses too.







Reading between the lines

[perkysmom]

Vick sentenced to 23 months in prison.