Michael Vick Killed And Abused Dogs. Don’t Abuse The Facts.

Some may argue that too much attention has been placed on the Michael Vick dog fighting story. You’ll remember, having seen his face on every news channel, newspaper, news site, and blog over the past few weeks. Americans love puppies and babies, and God help anyone, especially a public figure, who would do anything to hurt either. But the same protection should apply to the facts.

For those who don’t know, organized dog fighting, believed to have started over 600 years ago, is a blood sport, as the dogs literally bite and rip the flesh off of one another while the onlookers root and place bets. It is so evil that even the Taliban, who are believed to have the strictest rules for the behavior and treatment of (or, as many would agree, against) women, have banned dog fighting.

There are a few things about this particular story that have been troubling me. First, there seems to be a dearth of accurate information as to what Michael Vick actually did. It is reported, and, indeed, he has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, funding gambling, and allowing his property to be used for regular, repeated episodes of dog fighting. He has been accused of, as is customary in this “sport,” personally killing dogs with his bare hands. Some of the methods purportedly included neck-breaking, hanging, drowning, and electrocution, all as means of execution. Again, Michael Vick personally committed these offenses, some of which, such as interstate conspiracy, can be classified as federal felonies.

Also troubling are some of the reactions we have heard to these acts of inhumane violence. Here are a few quotes from his peers and, sadly, from some of mine:

• Regarding domestic violence, “Beat a woman? Play on. Beat a dog? You’re gone.” That women and children, even wives of NFL players suffer from daily physical and emotional abuse is clear, and I am in total support of the author’s desire to bring these battered women’s issues to light, but remember, Vick did not only subject dogs to cruelty, he personally and physically took animals into his hands and twisted their necks, hung them, drowned them, or electrocuted them. Sandra Kobrin, the author of the statement above, impugns her journalistic credibility by not presenting the full extent of Vick’s actions.
• Yesterday, Huffington Post blogger Sarah Whitman continued this arrogant and self-serving thought process, citing Kobrin’s piece, and adding “Hit a puppy? Go to jail. Hit a woman? Well, we all lose our tempers sometimes, don’t we? Rape a woman? You might lose some endorsement money. Maybe. It depends on how well you can humiliate and discredit the victim in the press.” (No doubt she is correct about the loss of endorsements, and the public’s willingness to forgive over time.)
• “I don’t know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it’s his property. It’s his dog. If that’s what he wants to do, do it.” Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis and a teammate, offensive tackle Chris Samuels, said, in Vick’s defense. Bad enough, but in an apology, which shows an incredible lack of understanding of humanity, Portis stated, “At that time I had no idea the love people have for animals, and I didn’t consider it when I made those comments.”
• “I think, you know, we don’t say anything about people who shoot deer or shoot other animals. You know, from what I hear, dogfighting is a sport. It’s just behind closed doors.” – New York Knicks guard Stephon Marbury.

Let me be very clear, because someone will attempt to take my comments out of context: Abuse of anyone, certainly women and children, acts of hate against gay men and lesbians, and any other physical or emotional abuse of any kind to anyone is reprehensible. But, do not, as a journalist, exclude the fact that Vick murdered dogs with his bare hands. This is not “beat a dog.” This is not “hit a puppy.” (Certainly, both acts are horrendous.) I am embarrassed for both Kobrin and Whitman. Perhaps they will rethink their short-term trading of the complete truth and journalistic integrity, for the advancement of their own personal agendas.

Sadly, the 53 dogs “rescued” from Vick’s property will most likely be put to death as they would be too violent and dangerous to place in someone’s home.

Lastly, I hope some of you are upset to the point that you feel compelled to take action. Here are some opportunities:

• ASPCA: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

• PAWS – Progressive Animal Welfare Society

• PETA: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

• Emergency Animal Rescue

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Editor’s note: CBS News on Friday, August 24, 2007 released additional information on this story, including actual copies of the plea agreement, an a summary of the facts.

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You my also be interested in seeing this related story:
Jon Stewart: “He Killed Dogs With His Bare Hands!”

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Tags: Alternet, ASPCA, Chris Samuels, Clinton Portis, dogs, Emergency Animal Rescue, Huffington Post, Michael Vick, PAWS – Progressive Animal Welfare Society, PETA, puppy, Sandra Kobrin, Sarah Whitman, Stephon Marbury, Women