Archive for July, 2007
Concerns and Criticisms Well-Justified for Vick
Last night, I was on MSNBC’s Live with Dan Abrams’ show to discuss the Michael Vick case. Yesterday, one of Vick’s co-defendants pled guilty and agreed to cooperate with the federal government—a development that some legal analysts have called "devastating" for Vick. Also, yesterday, the . . .
Weekend Victories and an Urgent Appeal
Nike just did it. It suspended its contract with Michael Vick late Friday afternoon. Nike is a tough corporation and rarely bows to pressure on any issue. Its accommodation to the public’s demands shows both the depth of revulsion Americans have for animal cruelty and . . .
Talk Back: Praise for Pit Bulls
As the nation’s attention is drawn to the dogfighting allegations against Michael Vick, pit bulls—the most common victims of this violent “sport”—have also been thrust into the spotlight. We heard from several readers who were apprehensive about the limelight. Among them: As an owner of . . .
While Vick in Court, Our Work Continues
At Michael Vick’s arraignment in U.S. District Court in Richmond yesterday, a trial date of November 26 was set. Vick’s lead counsel put a major defense team on display, signaling that he intends to mount a vigorous defense against the charges set out by the . . .
Dogfighting Shifts from the Shadows to Spotlight
Since last week’s indictment of Michael Vick, major news outlets across the country and the world—from NPR to CNN, from The Independent to USA Today—have headlined the ugly world of dogfighting, exposing the ghastly cruelty of this underworld. One of the most riveting of these . . .
Time to Make Your Voice Heard
For today’s blog, I am taking a quick break from the Michael Vick case because there are major animal welfare actions on tap tomorrow in the U.S. House of Representatives and I need your help—principally by contacting your U.S. Representative in Washington, D.C. today on . . .
After First Step, NFL Must Follow Through
Humane Society of the United States members and other concerned citizens have reacted with extraordinary passion and determination in response to the indictment against Michael Vick and three co-defendants. As of yesterday, more than 263,000 individuals contacted the NFL through The HSUS’s online advocacy campaign . . .
Talk Back: Support for a Vick Suspension
The conversation continues surrounding Michael Vick, his status with the NFL, and his relationship with Nike. Among the comments we received: There may be a silver lining here. Whether or not Vick is found guilty, this incident will generate so much publicity that everyone in . . .
Blocking of Animal Fighting Law Could Benefit Vick
Little did he know it, but Michael Vick got a great assist—the equivalent of some tremendous pass protection on the field—in his dogfighting debacle from U.S. Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.), who has emerged in recent years as one of the leading opponents of animal welfare . . .
Talk Back: Appalled by the Allegations
As news of the federal indictment against Michael Vick and three co-defendants spreads, animal advocates—and sports fans—across the country have reacted and united. The response to our campaign urging the NFL to suspend Vick has been unprecedented. The outpouring of actions through humanesociety.org was larger . . .
Time to Bench Vick
Last night, I appeared on CNN’s Nancy Grace show with a cavalcade of other guests. The show was one of dozens that have covered the Michael Vick case, which has transfixed and unsettled the country. The ugly details of dogfighting came to light with the . . .
Indictment Against Vick Exposes Grisly Allegations
Michael Vick said weeks ago he had no knowledge of dogfighting on his property and no involvement in the activity. The website for his kennel said he would absolutely not sell dogs for fighting. What a bunch of claptrap. Vick has, by all reliable accounts, . . .
