A former business partner of NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s faces citations and possibly more charges in Henry County after authorities found kennel dogs living in deplorable conditions.
Art Washington was operating Premier K-9 in Ellenwood on a revoked business license, according to Channel 2 Action News. The license was revoked after Washington failed to pay an annual registration fee, which Georgia businesses are required to pay to operate.
Henry County animal control officers raided Premier K-9 recently and found feces covering the floor and a dead dog in a garbage bag.
Washington was served inhumane citations, but additional charges may follow after more inspections by county and state animal protection investigators.
Animal control officials say Washington also was operating without a breeders permit.
Washington, who officials say has been cooperative, told investigators he is selling the business, Channel 2 reports.
On its website, Premier K-9 says it raises, sells and imports "only the highest quality German Shepherds, German Rottweilers and Presa Canarios in which we ship worldwide."
The website also lists athletes and music stars among Premier’s clients, including Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks, former boxer Mike Tyson, the group Outkast and singer Monica.
Vick, however, does not appear on the website as having been a client. The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was sent to prison two years ago for lying about his role in an illegal dog-fighting venture.
Washington has had extensive business ties to Vick. They were partners in a car rental venture that went sour, prompting an Indiana bank to sue them for $2 million for non-payment on a loan used to buy vehicles.
ESPN The Magazine reported the two also were involved in a horse farm at one point. In both the car rental and horse farm ventures, Vick put up and lost hundreds of thousands of dollars, ESPN reported.
“Vick didn't realize anything was amiss until he became suspicious of Washington's new cars and large salary,” ESPN says in an article on Vick's new-found wealth and how he lost his previous fortune to those who surrounded him before he went to prison.
Vick now plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and reportedly has just signed a six-year, $100 million contract with the team. He still owes creditors about $20 million, including $7.5 million for the Falcons after he defaulted on his contract.
Channel 2 reported that Washington was expected to release a statement on his latest troubles in Henry County in the near future.
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