"We've heard anecdotally that some of these people have been laying low, and changing their routines," Haaser said.
But they still find plenty of dogmen. Coordinated raids in six states in July netted 26 arrests, including a Little League coach, a registered nurse and a teacher. Four hundred dogs were rescued.
Goodwin, of the Humane Society, said that different strategies are required for young urban street fighters and organized dogfighting rings.
"The professionals among them are so ideologically committed, the only thing that will reach them is a good long prison term," Goodwin said. "They come up with all sorts of insane rationalizations for what they do."
But Goodwin said that many younger dogfighters in cities can be reached with the right kind of campaign to turn their thinking around.
Tio Hardeman, who grew up on Chicago's West Side, works with the Humane Society's Campaign to End Dogfighting in that city. He said that a lot of urban dogfighters raise pit bulls to cast a certain image.
"It's the symbol of having a pit with you and looking tough when you walk down the street," Hardeman said. "It makes you feel you better not mess with this guy. It's the street image."
The campaign uses former dogfighters like Sean Moore to find people fighting pit bulls and offer them alternatives.
Moore said that he talks to kids about the risks of being arrested, and tries to get them to bring their dogs to classes on Wednesday and Saturday.
"It's pit-bull training," Moore said. "They learn basic obedience and agility exercises, and see alternatives for their dogs."
It isn't clear how effective the program is, but the Humane Society has expanded the program to Atlanta and hopes to eventually bring it to Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are planning a number of steps involving players and cheerleaders to assist animal-rescue groups and to fight abuse. Vick spoke to a school in Feltonville last week.
Bengal, of the local SPCA, said that he'd welcome a program like Chicago's here, and he hopes that Vick delivers on his commitment to help.
"He owes the younger generation a lot," Bengal said.
Staff writer Stephanie Farr contributed to this report.
