Kevin Taylor's South Holland home is nearly 850 miles from the home of NFL quarterback Michael Vick's estate in rural Surry County, Va.

But according to charges related only by topic, they might share a hobby.

On Tuesday, Vick was among four people indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation at the Atlanta Falcons quarterback's property.

Four days earlier at Taylor's home, Cook County investigators arrested the 29-year-old after finding what the county sheriff called the largest fighting-dog training operation ever uncovered in the state.

A day later, prosecutors charged Taylor with two felonies and 39 misdemeanors.

Animal advocates, law enforcement officials and those following the cases, especially Vick's, can't help but think the spotlight on dogfighting is growing more focused every day.

"From a matter of timing, if it had to happen, I'm glad to have it happen now," said Dolores McLaughlin, the secretary of Cook County's Partners Against Animal Cruelty. "A lot of people don't think it's happening in their backyard."

Instances of pit bull fighting in the United States increased from 15 reported cases to 117 in 2006. So far this year, the database of animal abuse reports shows 63 cases, according to the Web site Pet-abuse.com.

Those numbers match what Lake County Animal Control Director Matt Lubarski has seen. And high-profile cases and continued public education campaigns can only help illuminate the issue, he said.

"It educates the public so if they see something going on next door, they are more mindful to give people a call," he said. "Things like (high-profile cases), they always help us get tips."

Lubarski mentioned a case last summer when neighbors' complaints led to the rescue of 16 pit bulls from the Calumet Township home of Gary firefighter Carlton Davis Jr.

Davis, who is scheduled for a November trial, is accused of conducting dogfights at the home and faces nine felony and 15 misdemeanor counts.

Still, there's lot more to be done, McLaughlin said.

Formed about 3 1/2 years ago, Cook County's task force educates law enforcement and the general public about animal cruelty and dogfighting. It's composed of law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, animal advocacy agencies and animal control departments.

Putting a face to an issue such as dogfighting makes it harder for the public to deny it's out there, McLaughlin said.

Chicago lawyer and sports journalist Lester Munson agrees.

"I think Vick energizes the whole campaign (against dogfighting)," said Munson, who has covered the Vick case and its myriad legal issues for ESPN.com. "Here you have a quarterback in the National Football League and its second-highest paid guy.

"It's a dream come true for someone trying to eradicate this. Vick is the poster boy, and the humane societies, the federal government -- they're fortunate to have Vick."

Some possible signs of dogfighting

-- Dogs kept in confined areas, such as basements or garages.

-- Dogs tied to heavy "tow truck-like" chains.

-- Treadmills set up for confining dogs to them.

-- People bringing several dogs to a location.

-- Dogs growling, barking and yelping in pain.

-- People owning different dogs within short periods of time.

What the public can do

-- Report dogfighting or animal abuse to law enforcement. An animal shelter or advocacy can also be contacted, but always report it to law enforcement.

-- Report any animal fighting in progress to 911.

-- Report stray, dangerous, vicious, sick or injured animals to animal control.

SOURCE: Cook County's Partners Against Animal Cruelty