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Valpo Law Professor Champions Vick Dogs

Rebecca Huss

Valparaiso University School of Law Professor Rebecca Huss played a signi­ficant role in the dog fighting case involving suspended NFL Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Huss, a member of the Valpo Law faculty since 1999 and a noted expert on animal law, last fall was appointed by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia as guardian/special master of the American pit bull terriers found on Vick’s property. As such, she helped to determine the future of the dogs.

“As someone whose academic endeavors focus on the legal status and value of animals in our lives, I was honored to represent the interests of those at the heart of this case, the dogs,” she said.

In December, Huss recom­mended that 47 pit bulls seized from Vick’s dog fighting operation be placed with rescue organizations.

“With the experienced care they will provide these dogs, I foresee that many will eventually be able to be adopted by members of the public,” she said.

Vick entered a plea of guilty to federal conspiracy charges stemming from his involvement in animal fighting.  He was sentenced in December to 23 months in prison.

Valparaiso University, Institutional Advancement, Office of Communications