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Monday, May 2, 2011

PA group wins bid to turn Bad Newz Kennels into dog rehab center:

At last, some good news at Bad Newz Kennels.

In 2009, word that the Eagles had signed Michael Vick infuriated animals welfare advocates that the team would bring the nation's most notorious animal abuser to Pennsylvania.

So it seems only fitting that a Pennsylvania group dedicated to helping end dog chaining would win its bid to buy Vick's former dog fighting compound in Virginia and turn into a rehabilitation center for abused dogs.

Tonight Tamira Thayne, founder of Dogs Deserve Better, announced that her group had secured approval for a loan to buy the Surry County property from an investor who bought it arouind the time Vick was charged with federal dog fighting ring - for which he would later serve 18 months in prison  - but had been unable to sell it.

With the help of donations large and small Thayne was able to raise one third of the $595,000 selling price for the 15-acre property which includes a 4,600-square-foot house.

"We are ecstatic to get on the ground and start the transformation of this property and the entire community which was brought to its knees by the brutality that occurred. It's a new day; we are sending a message that animal abuse is out of line with what our country's citizens want. Dogs are family members, part of the pack, and we must honor and respect them as such.

Thayne says she plans to build a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center for chained and penned dogs that will be known as DDB Good Newz Rehab Center for Chained and Penned Dogs. She also plans build a memorial for the unknown number of dogs who cruelly lost their lives on the property - some of them at the hands of the star quarterback who admitted torturing and killing his pit bulls that lost in the fighting ring. 

When agents raided the property in 2007 they seized 51 pit bulls  - most of whom survive and have found loving homes - and found the bodies of eight dogs who had been killed.

Thayne said her group still has a long haul ahead as itl continue to raise funds to build the rehab center. But she hopes to close on the property deal later this month.

Dogs Deserve Better has advocated for an end to 24/7 dog chaining since its founding nine years ago. Its members have rescued and fostered as many as 400 dogs a year who would have otherwise been relegated to lives on chains.

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 11:34 PM  Permalink | 5 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 1 don't   •   Posted 6:39 PM, 05/05/2011
    Very curious to know how these folks got a mortgage, it takes more than a downpayment to qualify, I guess they will beg up on the monthly payments, I love dogs and I do own one, but I find this to venture to be absolutely ridiculous and a slap in the face to all the homeless people/families. Ms. Thayne would have bought her own home with her own money I will never understand why a dog needs to live in a mansion, shame on her and anyone that donated to this mess.
    — charmaine
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:11 PM, 05/05/2011
    I am proud to say I am one of those who donated, Charmaine. This former house of horrors is going to be used to rehabilitate dogs that have been chain and kept in the yard. If you want a homeless shelter then why don't you put your money where your mouth is and start a collection?
    — The_Unknown-Poster
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:32 PM, 05/06/2011
    Don't pat yourself on the back to quick, with all of the homeless people women and children you are proud you donated money to help purchase this woman a small mansion for some dogs. Of course I wouldn't have made that statement if I didn't put my money and time where my mouth is I work very hard with those families on a daily basis, I also volunteer my time on a daily basis, I also donate clothing, and money. This is why I am able to say this venture is nothing more than a slap in the face to all that are living on the streets. Donating to this is nothing to be proud of. And yes I do love dogs also own one, but children come first they are our future not dogs. I am still wondering what bank would give them a loan, it takes more than a downpayment to qualify for a mortgage, I find it rather strange the name of the bank providing the mortgage is not mention in any article, there is a reason for that.
    — charmaine
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:00 AM, 05/11/2011
    Pennsylvania has never been known for it's compassion towards animals. Some of you disgust me. Your comments are so stupid about this being a slap in the face. The reason she had to have a big place is because they are planning on rehabbing/fostering 500 dogs per year!!!!! They need a big place and it's probably the cheapest they could find for that amount. GEt over it!!!! Dogs can't care for themselves like people. I'm going to donate $100 at least. I support DDB and always will. I might even put them in my Will.
    — tgrider
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 8:11 AM, 05/22/2011
    I just read the article about DDB winning the bid for the Mick Vick estate and believe me I do think they deserve it. In Pennsylvania there are no laws to protect dogs. And if we want to do some comparison look at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and what they started out with and what they are doing now to save dogs, cats, horses and other animals that need rehab and find a forever home until they are adopted. I can see helping children, single moms and the homeless that are in this area, but there are programs for them. What program is there for dogs that need rehab? Can they just walk into a food pantry and they are given food or shelter? They are the voiceless and it takes compassionate people to help the voiceless. I think it is a great idea. Hats off to DDB and what they are doing in this state and many others!
    — Sherlock8


5 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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