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| Lucas, one of the dogs rescued from Bad Newz Kennels. Note the obvious scars from dog fighting. AP Photo/Julie Jacobson |
According to NBC News Vick stated, "I would love to get another dog in the future. I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process. I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love and my passion for animals; I think it would be outstanding."
Hmmmm, that sounds a bit selfish to me. But wait, it is not all about him. He also feels bad that his kids are missing out on the experience of having a dog because of his actions. In another quote from the interview Vick stated, "I miss having a dog right now. I wish I could. My daughters miss having one, and that's the hardest thing: Telling them that we can't have one because of my actions."
Michael Vick should accept the fact that there are consequences to his actions and use this as a teaching moment for his daughters. They should be aware that money and fame are not tools that can be used to wipe the slate clean. He should willingly continue the ban on his own accord and not even tempt fate by getting another dog. I wish I could say that no animal shelter, breeder or person in their right mind would turn a dog over into his care. Unfortunately, there seem to be many people out there that support Vick and his intentions.
Wayne Pacelle, the controversial president of the Humane Society of the United States, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday, "I have been around him a lot, and feel confident that he would do a good job as a pet owner". We will have to wait and see if the Humane Society ends up being the organization that presents Vick with his new best friend.
The public seems to have forgiven Vick as well. In a reader poll on the popular tabloid website TMZ.com it appears that over 30,000 people think it is fair for Vick to own a dog because he has changed.
Vick getting a dog is...
- A horrible idea55%
- Fair, he's changed45%
Thankfully, all is not lost. Two of the most prominent animal rights groups, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have spoken out against Michael Vick and his plans to own a dog.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Lisa Lange, vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals had this to say in response to last night's interview. "Just as convicted pedophiles aren't allowed free access to children, anyone who is responsible for hanging, electrocuting, or shooting dogs and who causes them to suffer in other unimaginable ways should never again be allowed access to dogs. All things considered, it is a very small price to pay, especially compared to the suffering endured by the dogs who were abused and killed in the Bad Newz Kennels."
The ASPCA also voiced their concern immediately following the interview. "Vick’s journey toward rehabilitation and redemption has not reflected any direct concern for the wellbeing of animals, and we’ve never heard him express a shred of empathy toward the dogs he brutalized and killed", the organization told TMZ.
The ASPCA continued, "Rather than talk about the horrors and brutalities of dog fighting, Vick has instead chosen to focus on the consequences of getting caught. Vick’s actions have been simply self-serving and not remotely expressing remorse. Because of this, the ASPCA has serious concerns about Vick’s ability to be a responsible pet guardian."
I am 100% with you ASPCA and many thanks to you and to PETA for speaking up against Michael Vick. Let's hope he does not decide to go forward with this idea and that if he does someone will step in and stop him.
To read more about what happened to the dogs removed from Bad Newz Kennel visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Vicktory Dogs page.
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