Badd Newz: The Untold Story of the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Case

by Kathy Strouse

Book Author, Kathy Strouse, has launched her first book, “Badd Newz-The Untold Story of the Michael Vick Dog Fighting Case”. She reveals the never before reported twists, turns, obstacles, plots, and setbacks that made building a case against superstar Michael Vick the challenge of a lifetime. Readers will be shocked to learn how close and how often Vick came to walking away from justice. Investigators were fueled by a determination to rescue the innocent dogs and to bring Vick and his Badd Newz crew to justice. The small team of “dead game” investigators put everything on the line to take a stand against the brutal “sport” of dog fighting. Strouse also introduces the undercover investigator known only as Dog Angel. A shadowy, elusive figure, he has worked for over 35 years infiltrating the underground world of dog fighting, rubbing shoulders with some of the most infamous characters in the “game”. The reader will learn how Dog Angel infiltrated the inner Badd Newz circle and used every skill in his arsenal to help make the case against them. No dog fighting case has ever captured the attention and the hearts of the public like the Michael Vick case. Most Americans had no idea that such cruelty even existed. The stakes in this case were very high. Success would send a message to dog fighters across the country that law enforcement was pledged to stamp out this cruelty and send the perpetrators to jail. Investigators knew they had to bring Vick to justice in spite of his wealth and fame. Climb aboard the rollercoaster for the story of how they did it.

Genres: Animals, True Crime, Politics

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 23, 2009

Reviews

[Fishface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. Torture devices, bloodstained walls, clandestine graves filled with unnamed dead with more victims waiting their turn, chained up and starved in filthy conditions...You wouldn't believe it if you read it in a suspense novel, but that's the scene of serial puppy murder Animal Control found out back at Michael Vick's country house. The author traces the progress of the investigation, outlines the roadblocks thrown up again and again by the prosecutor, and got me to rethink everything from what goes on in my neighbor's backyard to the ethics of "no kill" animal shelters. This book needed a final copyedit to take out the extra commas and reconnect words inexplicably broken in two, like "back pedal" and "non combatant," but mostly it was well written. The author knows the difference between a vice and a vise, and that's good enough for me.

[Sarah Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want an insight into the vile world of dog-fighting, then this book will give you one. I read this true story, written by animal control officer Kathy Strouse, for research purposes and definitely not for relaxation! It answered my questions enough to make me sure that I only wanted to touch on the subject in my novel-in-progress and not go into any gory details. As a dog-lover, it thoroughly sickened me that such a world existed and I was pleased to learn that even rich celebrities are not above the law, although they're much harder to bring to justice.

The gathering of evidence against Michael Vick, former Atlanta Falcons quarterback, and his eventual conviction reads like a legal report, which makes it pretty hard going, but the fact that it doesn't attempt any of the sensationlist tactics often used in journalism adds to its authenticity.

Obviously, the jargon and legal processes described are for the US, but I've watched enough US crime dramas to know what the terms meant. Dog-fighting is dog-fighting wherever in the world you are, with the same tools of the trade, instruments of torture, big-money, and links to criminal underworlds.

Only read this book if you have a strong stomach. There were some sections I had to skimread or skip altogether.

[Rebecca Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting deep dive into what it takes to build a case against a high profile person and such a gruesome crime. All the effort that many of the individuals go through to pass on information and coordinate without any recognition or compensation in the end is sad as well. Their passion drives them to keep going to protect the innocent victims despite all the backlash and threats to their personal safety. I loved that they spent a lot of time describing the dogs and their journeys after they were rescued!

[Lorise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read if you are not well versed in dog fighting or pit bulls. It helps to explain why some pit bulls ARE fighting dogs and why some are not and are worthy of a great home. Also reinforces why Vick should not have played NFL ball again, and should not be granted any absolution. It's a tough read for dog lovers and made me hold my two pit mixes close - glad that I don't let stereotypes color my vision of really good dogs!

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tough read, you will see detailed descriptions of the real horrors of dogfighting. Factually a good book and interesting look at the interplay between the state and federal government. If the feds had not taken over the case, Vick would likely have kept fighting dogs. 53 dogs confiscated from dog fighting. Sickening.

[Trinity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking from the perspective of someone who is involved in animal welfare, this was well thought out & put together. I appreciate Kathy Strouse for being the voice of the victims of this case, the dogs who were mistreated, mishandled, & forced to do things no animal should have to do.

Was it a difficult read? My God, yes. I put it down so many times just to love on my rescued pit mix. I know her story, because I looked into it when I was in a position to do so. I’m forever grateful to the ACO with whom I work for picking her up. I’m grateful to the shelter staff for taking good care of her until she found her forever home with us. Will it help me do my job better? I think yes.

I do not agree with the statement that Vick should have been allowed to play again. I am disgusting he was able to return to the league & is now in a head coaching position. More than that, I’m enraged he’s allowed to own animals.

[Michella Ventres · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was no easy read. The details of the horror these dogs went through still cuts through me. The way the punishment was not strong enough will also stay with me. The cockiness of thinks he could walk away a free man floors me just as the amount of corruption that almost allowed that to happen

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor editing

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was interesting. The reason why I didn't give it a 5 star was due to the graphic nature of this book. This opened my eyes to the cruelty that people do to loving animals.

[Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very interesting to read, esp from an investigator's stand point. I was mildly surprised that it held my attention throughout the entire length of the book- as many non-fic stories tend to be overly dry and drole to read. Strouse did a good job ordering the flow of the book and keeping it concise and not leading off on too many tangents. I met the author at a NACA training and think she did a great job with this book.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kathy's retelling of her experiences during the Michael Vick trial are captivating and very interesting. Her writing draws the reader in. Worth reading if you're looking for an insider's view of how animal cruelty prosecutions work.

[Dexter Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable how corruption almost won the day and let Vick skate to cruelly torture other dogs. Troubling to hear that he might have acquired a dog now. Glad I am not a Steelers fan. Wouldn't want Vick on my team.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent - really explored the legal aspects of breaking the case open as well as focused on the dogs' recovery.