SURRY, Va. (AP) — The founder of an organization that bought NFL star Michael Vick’s former Surry County dogfighting compound is being sought on animal cruelty charges.

Dogs Deserve Better bought the 15-acre tract and five-bedroom home last year for use as a dog sanctuary for dogs that have been chained and penned.

According to media reports Monday, Chief Animal Control Officer Tracy Terry says numerous complaints about the property prompted a visit from the state veterinarian’s office. The sheriff’s office has been unable to find the organization’s founder, Tamira Thayne, to serve warrants for animal cruelty and inadequate care of animals.

Vick, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, served 18 months in federal prison for his involvement in the Bad Newz Kennels dogfighting ring that operated out of the Surry County property.

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