Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick and his associates operated the aptly named "Bad Newz Kennels", which housed and trained over 50 pit bull dogs, staged dog fights, killed dogs that didn't perform well, and ran a high stakes gambling ring with purses up to $26,000. In 2007, after he was sentenced to 23 months in prison, Vick apologized for his treatment of the dogs, saying, "I encourage you to love your animals. Whatever animals you have, whether it's a dog, a cat, a reptile, if it's a horse. I encourage you to love that animal dearly and with all your heart."

In England and Wales, the Dangerous Dogs Act of 1991 prohibits the ownership of American Pit Bull Terriers. The Act also bans the breeding, sale and exchange of these dogs. Similar legislation exists in Australia and Germany.