February 22, 2008

PORTLAND – Two Oregon teens have taken their concerns about dog fighting straight to lawmakers.

Malik Taylor and Darrenn Robertson were tasked by a teacher to do something to change the world. They decided to take on dog fighting, which they first learned about following the Michael Vick case.

The star football player had been the teens’ idol. Taylor says he used to have a poster of the star athlete above his bed. It’s since been taken down.

“I heard it and I was devastated,” said Taylor. “He was my role model.”

“He wasn’t the person I thought he was,” said Robertson.

Thirteen year-old Taylor and 14 year-old Robertson headed to the state house, where they took lawmakers head on. Their aim was to change state law. Their testimony showed just how devastating Vick’s participation in the blood sport has been.

“The first thing that got us interested in this was the Michael Vick case, (because) he was a role model for us growing up,” Robertson told the legislative panel.

The pair went on to ask the legislators to make penalties for dog fighting more severe.

The bill they were lobbying for has already passed through Oregon’s senate now only needs house approval before going to the governor’s desk.

The bill, SB 1072, could increase the penalty for watching a dog fight or owning training equipment to a felony. Fines would increase from $250 to $125,000, and carry a five year prison sentence.

Both the teens’ parents said they are proud of their sons for taking the project beyond the classroom. Robertson’s mother said she expected the whole thing to end with the final grade.

As for their former role model, Taylor and Robertson are moving on, and becoming role models themselves.

“Just because Michael Vick does it doesn’t mean you have to do it,” said Taylor. “You don’t have to follow people.”

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Special contributions to this report made by KATU 2 News, Portland.