Vegetarian Star

Yes, everyone in the animal activist community is tired of hearing about all things Michael Vick related, but like it or not, he’s still making news. And as long as he is, there’s always the issue of how to right what went wrong at Bad Newz Kennels where dogs were pushed into the brutal world of fighting.

One organization would like to buy the former headquarters of his dog fighting operation for their animal non-profit.

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Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, is making headlines in the news for saying he thinks Michael Vick should be able to own another dog one day.

Restricted to a one line quote in most media outlets, Pacelle felt he didn’t get the chance to elaborate on his stance and recently took to the Humane Society’s blog to explain. No, Vick isn’t getting a dog anytime soon. Pacelle knows it’s not time yet and the courts won’t allow it. But, given the work he’s seen Vick accomplish, Pacelle thinks one day Vick can prove himself as compassionate and responsible. Some highlights from his post.

On Convicted Animal Abusers Owning Pets Again:
“It’s now a well-established principle within our movement that those convicted of malicious cruelty should not be permitted to have pets, at least for a number of years after a cruelty conviction, and sometimes even for life. That’s my policy for Vick, too. But the court did not decide to impose a lifetime ban, and based on the work for animals he has undertaken since his release from prison, I don’t believe he should be forever banned from adopting a dog for his two daughters.”

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Michael Vick, notorious for his involvement with Bad News Kennels and dog fighting activities, has expressed his interest in proving he could be a good pet owner again. The consequences of him “failing” the test would be drastic, and two animal rights groups have weighed in on the matter.

“I have been around him a lot, and feel confident that he would do a good job as a pet owner,” Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Vick chose to work with the HSUS on its anti-dogfighting campaigns and has traveled across the country speaking to youth about the cruelty of the sport.

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Insert joke or snide remark here, but Michael Vick says he believes his activities with dog fighting now enables God to use him as an agent of change. Or something grandiose like that.

“I think I’m being used by God,” Vick said, according to the LA Times. “because all the laws have changed since my incident.”

In fairness to the truthfulness of Vick’s statement, laws have changed since he was charged, convicted and spent time behind bars for his involvement with Bad Newz Kennels.

The Humane Society of the United States writes on its website:

“In the last two years, we’ve upgraded 26 laws (state and federal) on animal fighting. The HSUS has trained more than 1,000 law enforcement officers on investigating animal fighting and paid out 50 rewards for tips leading to arrests in animal fighting cases. We have worked with law enforcement on more than 200 raids on animal fighting operations.”

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Has Michael Vick been elevated to sainthood?

The NFL player convicted for his involvement in dog fighting activities is scheduled to host a celebrity party at the MI-VI Club at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach in Florida where his guests will be met by protesters, according to an article in Palm Beach Post.

But representatives from the Humane Society of the United States say Vick’s work with the organization has actually steered youth from following down his path.

“He has been effective in helping young men choose a better path,” said John Goodwin, the Humane Society’s manager of animal fighting issues. “He is the example of how dogfighting is a destructive, dead-end activity with enormous consequences.”

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Michael Vick was recently awarded the Ed Block courage award for his “sportsmanship” and “courage,” but not everyone who attended the event was supportive.

Several people gathered outside the facility, holding signs that read “No awards for dog killers” and “Cowards abuse animals.”

Each year several players receive the award if they are chosen to be “role models” that “exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.”

One protester, according to the Baltimore Sun, said, “I find it appalling to give this to someone that has gotten enjoyment from hurting dogs,” she said. “What is he courageous about?”

A spokesman for the foundation awarding Vick, Paul Mittermeier said, “People have the right to voice their opinion.”

Vick has served time in jail for his involvement with dog fighting and has partnered with the Humane Society to discourage dog fighting in communities, especially among youth.

Is it time for activists to let go and focus on other campaigns?

Or is their constant presence in the midst of Vick’s comeback needed as a painful reminder that society should choose better role models.

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Who wants to see Michael Vick naked?

You don’t have to raise your hand just yet, but the people at Playgirl magazine have already put money on the table for Vick to bare all if he donates $1 million to PETA.

“I sent the request to Michael Vick on Wednesday,” Daniel Nardicio, Playgirl rep tells Life & Style. “But we haven’t heard back yet.”

“I figured he paid back society for dog fighting, but what about the animals?” said Daniel.

“This way he could donate a large sum to PETA and all he’d have to do is pose for the magazine! It’s kind of a win-win situation!”

For a real win-win situation, Vick could keep his clothes on and Playgirl could still donate money or time to animal causes.

Vick has voluntarily partnered with the Humane Society to  help deter youth from participating in dog fighting activities.

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Michael Vick‘s documentary of his fall from grace due to dog fighting activities, The Michael Vick Project, premiered this month on BET.

Animal activist or not, the line separating those that believe he’s truly remorseful or just expressed regret as a publicity stunt is pretty deep, and it’s doubtful these clips will do anything to change their opinions.

One interesting note: Michael Vick played football at Virginia Tech, the same state as PETA territory.

One could guess Vick didn’t get the same “Be Cruelty-Free” pamphlets in his dorm mailbox as some other college students did.

Watch the clip below for highlights of the show.

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