According to an interview Michael Vick did with Grio.com, he said he would love to have a dog in the future. The following comes from that interview:
Vick has often expressed his love of all animals — not just dogs, and hopes that the court-ordered rule that prevents him owning a dog will one day change.
“I would love to get another dog in the future,” he told theGrio. “I think it would be a big step for me in the rehabilitation process. I think just to have a pet in my household and to show people that I genuinely care, and my love, and my passion for animals.”
He also says that his culture helped to perpetuate him into dogfighting and I don’t disagree with that. I feel his upbringing and the people in his environment were to a very large degree the main reason why Vick entered and participated in the dogfighting world. Vick is not an educated man and it clearly shows when he speaks.
If you listen to him in the interview (in above link), he was asked if he thought about the dogs that he hurt and killed. He said he did. Listening to the intonation of his voice instinctively makes me think and feel otherwise.
While Vick does talk to kids about what he has done which is not court-mandated, I can’t forget the crimes he committed against man’s best friend. And I do think people forget he was charged and convicted of a felony for the participation of the beating, drowning and electrocution of many dogs. He did serve time in jail.
Now he wants a dog to help in his rehabilitation. If I was convicted of a felony involving a gun, I would never be allowed to possess a firearm……..especially to help in my rehabilitation. Please..
But Vick wants a dog. Does he have remorse? I don’t know. I know Vick is not an educated man but that doesn’t mean he isn’t remorseful. That is between Vick and God.
Vick is being paid handsomely by the Philadephia Eagles and is being hailed as a great player these days. The NFL saw fit to allow him back into the sport. That’s their perogative.
BUT, for the rules to change to allow a convicted felon of animal cruelty would send a strong message to the very kids he is attempting to help. You do the crime…..you pay the consequences. It seems Vick has been rewarded for his dirty deeds by playing pro football. But this would now involve a court of law.
If the court falls short and allows him to have a dog in the future, think of the message this will send to present and future animal abusers. Think of the animals.