Should Michael Vick be able to return to the NFL after he's released from jail, where he's serving time for running a dog-fighting ring? I say yes. This is a society that expects you to pay your debt to society for whatever time the judicial system deems appropriate, but it is also one that should give people a second chance. What do you think?
Advocate for victims - not just dogs.
ReplyDeleteDear Lynn,
If Michael Vick truly wants to make amends for his actions he should steer clear of any affiliations with animal "rights" organizations and alliances. According to the FBI, "… animal and environmental rights extremists have claimed credit for more than 1,200 criminal incidents, resulting in millions of dollars in damage and monetary loss. [I]nvestigating and preventing animal rights extremism and eco-terrorism is one of the FBI's highest domestic terrorism priorities."
Many of the so-called "humane" animal organizations are the supporters and culprits for recycling unwanted, discarded pit bulls, and other potentially vicious breeds of dogs, back into our communities – often attacking, mauling and even killing innocent children. Some may call these dogs "lovable". However the Centers for Disease Control and Merritt Clifton, editor of "Animal People", put these dogs on the top of their list of "killer dogs".
If Michael Vick were serious about ending animal cruelty, he needs to campaign for strict laws governing responsible dog ownership in our communities, increased fees for owning non-spayed/non-neutered dogs that will ultimately reduce the number of abused/sheltered dogs, a prohibition of unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed backyard/garage dog breeding - a major source of abuse - and a biennial door-to-door "canvass of dogs" that would document the current dog population and rid our communities of unlicensed/unvaccinated dogs.
Most important, Mr. Vick can also raise money for children mauled by vicious dogs so they can receive necessary medical care and plastic surgery. Instead of allying himself with so-called "humane" organizations, it would be more appropriate and humane for Mr. Vick to support the American Association of Plastic Surgeons who advocates a national prohibition of dangerous dogs - as was done in Canada, many European countries and some cities in the U.S.
When the abundant supply of these potentially vicious dogs is curtailed, dog fighting and the cruelty associated with it will also disappear.
Doug D.
Canine Crisis - NJ