NC activists seek dogfighting task force

RALEIGH (AP) — Animal rights leaders want North Carolina officials to investigate the state's role in dogfighting after the indictment of NFL quarterback Michael Vick indicated a strong North Carolina presence in the secretive bloodsport.

Court records show that three of the four confidential witnesses that contributed to Vick's indictment reside in North Carolina.

Robert Reder is the departing state director for the Humane Society of the United States. He says Attorney General Roy Cooper should form a task force to pursue cases against animal fighting.

South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster established a similar task force in 2004. That panel has conducted investigations leading to 42 dogfighting arrests, including one jury conviction and 17 guilty pleas.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)