As some of you may know, Michael Vick was released from federal prison yesterday, May 20th, after having served 19 months for operating an illegal dog-fighting ring and committing a slew of utterly heinous, unspeakable acts of cruelty to dogs. And now that he's out, it's certainly no surprise that he's claiming himself a reformed man. What does come as a surprise, however, is the fact that Vick has managed to align himself with the Humane Society of the United States, purportedly in an effort to educate the public about the horrendous - and illegal - nature of dogfighting.So, can we really be expected to believe that Vick is a changed person? An L.A. Times journalist who wrote a feature on the news event posed the question well: "Is Vick, who not only financed a dogfighting ring but also reportedly "enjoyed placing family pets in the ring with fighting pit bulls and ... laughed as dogs ripped each other apart," really reformed? Is his desire to help the Humane Society simply a public relations move designed to get him reinstated in the NFL? "
And on another note, is this a wise move for the Humane Society? Interestingly, PETA entertained the notion of working with Vick in an anti-dog-fighting campaign before his release, but ultimately 'rescinded the offer.' And a blogger for PETA is now calling for a psychiatric exam to be taken by Vick before he starts this publicity crusade - to ensure he really does believe that dog-fighting is cruel and, importantly, morally wrong.
Certainly, the subject of second chances is one we frequently encounter in the rescue field. But does Vick deserve a second chance? And is Vick taking advantage of the Humane Society to mend his tarnished reputation, or is the Humane Society using Vick to push a more important message? Sadly, as always seems to be the case, the only real victims are the dogs - those rescued from Vick's infamous compound and those that didn't live long enough to see that day of reckoning arrive. The entire partnership, though, is an interesting precedent nonetheless, so what do you think?
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I believe it takes a very different type of person to consciously inflict obvious pain, cruelty and suffering on other creatures. In fact, I believe a propensity towards animal cruelty - and a lack of compassion regarding the suffering of others - is one of the characteristics often found and associated with sociopaths. So, the fact that Michael Vick now cries folly is wholly unconvincing to me. To acknowledge the fact that one has done something 'wrong' simply because one is being punished for it, and to understand the intensity of the pain one has caused and feel genuine remorse over that pain, are two very, very different things. And I suppose, for me, it doesn't really matter if he is a reformed man. In my estimation he lost the right to be given the benefit of the doubt the very first time he earned one penny from the dog-fights, and the very first moment he was even slightly entertained by the suffering of those dogs. I understand that the USHS is trying to create something good out of the Vick debacle by bringing awareness to dog-fighting rings; that's all well and good. But the fact that Vick should now in any way be positively publicized - in any way - for his past connection to dog fighting, well, it just doesn't sit right with me.
ReplyDeleteI certainly believe in redemption but would find it more plausible if he spent the rest of his life quietly going about the work by donating time himself (sans cameras) and contributing money anonymously.
ReplyDeleteIt looks to me like the Humane Society is using Vick. Unfortunately Vick is still an idol to many and that is what the Humane Society is banking on to get the word out about the atrocities of dog fighting. I do not believe he is a reformed man at all. He is a sick human being that society should not welcome back as if he has been punished enough and learned his lesson. The kinds of things he has been convicted of doing should scare everyone. Is he a sociopath or just a arrogant ***hole? You can take the person out of the hood but you cannot take the hood out of the person at least in Vicks case.
ReplyDeleteOn one hand I don't think it can be forgiven what the man did. On the other hand if using him to help get the word out about how horrible dog fighting is then I say so be it..There are still fans of Vick's out there so I say use him to get to those people. It's a tough call thats for sure!
ReplyDeleteThis is just sickening to me. I can't stand to even see his face knowing all the pain these poor innocent dogs went through because of him and the fact that he enjoyed watching it!!!!! Horendous!! Anyone who enjoys watching an animal suffer could never be rehabilitated in my opinion. Forgiven, NEVER!!!
ReplyDeleteIf he is truely remorseful he should donate a good portion of his income to some Animal Rescue organizations for the rest of his life and the HS should be ashamed of themselves for being associated with such a person.