Federal authorities are asking that a Valparaiso law professor oversee the outcome of dozens of dogs seized from Michael Vick's rural home where a dogfighting operation was based.

According to the motion filed in U.S. District Court Monday, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Richmond also asked that each of the 48 pit bulls be spayed, neutered and have microchips implanted.

The motion now goes to U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson. It requests that animal law expert Rebecca Huss serve as the guardian-special master to oversee the disposition and possible placement of the dogs.

If appointed, Huss would travel to Virginia to evaluate the animals and make recommendations on their placement or future. There is no deadline for the process.

A spokesman for the law school says Huss will not comment until her work is complete but said the goal is to find the best possible future for the dogs.