In some states, dog fighting is still a MISDEMEANOR and generally punished with probation.
In federal cases, the average defendant does receive jail time and Vick’s sentence is fairly close to average. Those convicted of the crime generally get around 5 years. Those who plead guilty, generally get 12-24 months. So it is consistent with what others get.
I just think the States that rate it a Misdemeanor are correct. 50 years ago, this would not have been a big issue and he may never have been charged. 20 years ago he would have gotten a slap on the wrist at most, but our societal values have been tossed on their head in recent years.
If I’m the judge, he gets 5 years Probation and a sentence which requires him to spend EVERY Saturday and Sunday for the next 5 years working in Community Service in an Animal Rights Shelter for free. That way he learns his lesson and is not allowed to play in the NFL because he’s at the Animal Shelter on Sundays. It sends the best possible message to all concerned that there are heavy consequences to your actions, while not perverting the basic fabric of our nation in elevating Animals to exalted status...
Let me see if I understand you. You believe that training dogs to fight for sport and gambling purposes, being involved in a venue in which drug dealing is taking place (on his own property no less), and brutally murdering these animals after they are no longer able to provide you with income is an okay thing to do, and that society has tossed out it's values when they try an punish such individuals for their barbaric treatment of these animals? Oh my!!!!!! Please do not ever be one of my neighbors.