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I’m Pro HSUS Working With Michael Vick

Tuesday, 18 August 2009, 6:54 | Category : Celebrities, Companion Animals, Dog Fighting
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michael_vickI felt like I should state that in the title to this blog. So many AR activists are furious over HSUS’s decision to work with Michael Vick to help end dog fighting.

My feeling is this. Michael Vick has become a symbol for the consequences of dog fighting and for the brutality of the “sport.” Who better than that very symbol to go and talk to kids from under served communities about the horrors of dog fighting? Who better to reach these kids and to tell them it’s wrong? I think Michael Vick is the perfect spokesperson for the issue. Working with HSUS, he’ll reach many kids and tell them about his own experience.

People are petrified that Vick is not genuine. That he cares more about his career than he does about the dogs he killed and tortured. Well, ladies and gents, the truth is, we’ll never know. He spent two years in jail (which is frankly pretty great considering how soft courts usually go on animal cruelty charges), and he’s had lessons in humane education. He’s had time to reflect. But even if he isn’t genuine, even if this is all about his career, he’s still making a difference for the cause. Going and talking to at risk youth is amazing, and as long as he gets the message across, I’m not that fussed about how tortured he is about it on the inside. He’s one man. We need to think about the dogs, and the kids who grow up thinking that dog fighting is normal and cool. And he’s the perfect guy to talk to those kids. I applaud HSUS for looking at the big picture. On 60 minutes Wayne Pacelle says there are probably about 40,000 people fighting dogs professionally in this country. Let’s focus on them, and hope Michael Vick can help influence them for the better.

Disagree? Let me have it:)

If you missed it, watch the 60 Minutes clip here.

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  • Dave

    Vick grew up in surroundings where dog fighting was normal so having him as a spokesperson against that is a good thing. Let’s also see how he lives the rest of his life before we make any long term judgements.

  • Dave

    Vick grew up in surroundings where dog fighting was normal so having him as a spokesperson against that is a good thing. Let’s also see how he lives the rest of his life before we make any long term judgements.

  • http://freewheelingspirit.blogspot.com/ freewheel

    I also agree with you. In interviews, he sounds remorseful. And, as you point out, he may be able to connect with at-risk youth.

  • http://freewheelingspirit.blogspot.com freewheel

    I also agree with you. In interviews, he sounds remorseful. And, as you point out, he may be able to connect with at-risk youth.

  • SG

    I don’t think he is at all remorseful and I wish the NFL had waited at least a year to reinstate him so he could feel some consequences. That said, the publicity is good for the cause. But what does it say to the kids out there involved in dog fighting? It says, if I get caught, I can bounce back pretty easily, just like Michael Vick.

  • SG

    I don’t think he is at all remorseful and I wish the NFL had waited at least a year to reinstate him so he could feel some consequences. That said, the publicity is good for the cause. But what does it say to the kids out there involved in dog fighting? It says, if I get caught, I can bounce back pretty easily, just like Michael Vick.

  • http://www.twolia.com/blogs/kitsch-slapped/ deanna

    I agree with SG; it’s too quick & sends the message that such behavior only gets a slap on the wrist — esp if you’re a celeb.

    Is he — or anyone — such a good player that the NFL can’t replace him? Really? Can’t they find an “athletic entertainer” who hasn’t gambled & abused animals? If not, that says even more about the NFL than it does about Vick.

  • http://www.twolia.com/blogs/kitsch-slapped/ deanna

    I agree with SG; it’s too quick & sends the message that such behavior only gets a slap on the wrist — esp if you’re a celeb.

    Is he — or anyone — such a good player that the NFL can’t replace him? Really? Can’t they find an “athletic entertainer” who hasn’t gambled & abused animals? If not, that says even more about the NFL than it does about Vick.

  • Alex

    Q: “What kept you going”
    A: “Not being able to say. We can’t do this anymore I’m concerned about my career, I’m concerned about my family” Then he goes on to say “Football don’t even matter” Well which one is it?

    Is 7 million dollars worth a few speaking engagements and some television interviews? When he goes back to prison for dog fighting can that be his last chance? When you get to a certain level you get one chance, then you step aside for someone who is worthy of people’s respect and admiration.

    I watched this video reluctantly because I didn’t want to feel sorry for him. Well I watched it and I don’t.

  • Alex

    Q: “What kept you going”
    A: “Not being able to say. We can’t do this anymore I’m concerned about my career, I’m concerned about my family” Then he goes on to say “Football don’t even matter” Well which one is it?

    Is 7 million dollars worth a few speaking engagements and some television interviews? When he goes back to prison for dog fighting can that be his last chance? When you get to a certain level you get one chance, then you step aside for someone who is worthy of people’s respect and admiration.

    I watched this video reluctantly because I didn’t want to feel sorry for him. Well I watched it and I don’t.

  • http://www.vegetarianwomen.com/ Melissa

    I agree with everything you’ve written Alyson.

    I read somewhere that Vick became involved with dog fighting at *8-years-old*.

  • http://www.vegetarianwomen.com Melissa

    I agree with everything you’ve written Alyson.

    I read somewhere that Vick became involved with dog fighting at *8-years-old*.

  • terry

    This guy is so full of it .If you can hang or slam a dog to death for not fighting and do it over and over you are scum . This takes planning and if he were not caught would do it forever .He will do what ever it takes to get back what he lost , You watch how long this idiot lasts in this phony atmosphere .

  • terry

    This guy is so full of it .If you can hang or slam a dog to death for not fighting and do it over and over you are scum . This takes planning and if he were not caught would do it forever .He will do what ever it takes to get back what he lost , You watch how long this idiot lasts in this phony atmosphere .

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