Pet Columns: May 2009 Archives

From the Humane Society of the United States:

You may have seen the news that Michael Vick has been released from prison, and that The Humane Society of the United States is going to provide an opportunity for him to get involved in some of our anti-dogfighting outreach programs.

Animal advocates might be skeptical, as I was, about whether a man who committed such horrible acts to dogs could do anything positive to help animals. But I want to give him the chance to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem.

If he is serious -- and we'll soon find out -- then Vick can help HSUS reach young men in urban communities and tell his story about dogfighting being a dead end. Our on-the-street programs teach at-risk kids that pit bulls are friends, not fighters.

I wanted to share with you my blog which I've just posted today, which elaborates on my thinking.

Wayne Pacelle
President & CEO
The Humane Society of the United States

Read Wayne's blog posts on Michael Vick

According to the Associated Press, Michael Vick left a Kansas prison before dawn today (Wednesday, May 20) to begin home confinement in Virginia.

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, said Tuesday he recently met with Vick at the federal prison in Kansas, and that Vick said he wants to work with HSUS on a program aimed at eradicating dogfighting among urban teens.

While a program like that is definitely needed, I question whether Vick is the best choice.

If he were sincere, it would be wonderful. But to me it seems highly likely his interest in working with the HSUS is self-serving. If he has any hope of regaining his football career and popularity, he'll need to show he's learned from his mistakes and has changed. What says that better than offering to work with the HSUS?

It's been reported that he's lost everything, that he's broke. But I've seen photos of the house he's returning to in Virginia (see photo at left). He's broke, and he lives in that house??

I don't see any indication that Vick feels true remorse for what he put those dogs through. He probably still sees them as disposable commodities, and I doubt he even feels he did anything wrong, other than getting caught.

Sure, he served time for the crime, and did lose some popularity, money and possessions. And I'm glad he did. But I still think he got off easy, and I really hope he doesn't get his football career handed back to him.

Dogfighting is an extremely bloodthirsty and cruel activity, and inexcusable. But especially so in Vick's case; he already had millions of dollars, what possible reason would he have for dogfighting, other than enjoying the power of inflicting pain on something smaller and weaker than himself?? (Lucas, at right, still bears the scars of his life at Vick's Bad Newz Kennels.)

I think the HSUS should reconsider working with Vick -- it might harm their reputation more than it helps their anti-dogfighting campaign.