PITBULL BREEDS ARE NOT ONLY BRED FOR FIGHTING! The history of the breed has traces in guardianship and fighting along side of humans. They have a great history in the U.S. frontier days as herding cattle, hunting companions and guardianship against wild animals and thieves. Sound like any other favored breeds? Have you ever heard of Sergeant Stubby a possible pit bull/boxer breed who is a decorated war hero? If not, look him up. My service dog is a pure breed Am. Staffie (recognized as a pit bull breed) and she has changed my life. THANK YOU to the ASPCA for standing firm and not supporting Michael Vick. I have pulled my financial support from the HSUS and will be supporting the ASPCA. As the continued rehabilitation of the Vick dogs has shown, the pit bull breeds are magnificant and do not deserve the continue and we should be focusing on responsible ownership.

I actually found this to be an EXTREMELY balanced and well written article. I have found many animal rights activists to be hippie-like and unreasonable in their outlooks and comments. This artile intelligently comments on the crime and rehabilitation of dogfighting and Mike Vick. I agree with the aritcle. The man has a right to get a job, but that doesn't mean he gets instant love and adoration from animal lovers again. I also liked another comment I read about how these are pitbulls. The same way people with killer-instinct love violent sports (I'm one of them), I do see the difference of pit bull fighting than golden retriever fighting. It's in their nature. The heinousness of the crime is the disrespectful way he treated dogs. We have dominion over animals, and fighting may be across the line, but electrocutions and beatings are beyond the pale. I was satisfied with his conviction, punishment, and the role ASPCA took in bringing him to justice. An even handed approach, and not just being willing to throw a man's life away, while at the same time CONTINUING to hold hime accountable. Spokesman for not commiting the crime you just commited? I think not. I don't listen to dui convicts about not drinking and driving, either. Congratultions for speaking to doggie parents, who also take a larger context view of the world. Applaud your efforts, and WILL DONATE because of them.

I have two small children to care for here, so my comments will be short and sweet. I applaud the ASPCA for not working with Micheal Vick. There are some actions you cannot be forgiven for, and what he did to those dogs be in that category. He is an absolutely disgusting human being, I think the Eagle's are a horrible team for hiring him, and I wish them nothing but misfortune. Hope they lose all their games! I used to take my children to Subway about twice a week, because I feel they offer healthier food than fast food places. No more!I threw out our Nike's and have replaced them with Asics! I cannot believe people who think what he did was no big deal! I happen to have a 16 year old pit bull, who is so wonderful with my kids. The breed is wonderful, unless treated poorly and taught to be mean.Like Vick did! I hope he has a life of misery, like he inflicted on those animals.

I'm curious as to how ASPCA feels about the Humane Society of the US aka Wayne Pacelle's decision to support Micheal Vick? They are recommending that he be allwed to own a dog again. The clueless people who think he paid his "debt" obviously have NO CLUE the extent to which he harmed those poor animals, how involved he was, and how many actually suffered. If it had been children, most of you would be screaming for the death penalty. People who excuse his acts are as sick as he is...

Mr. Sayres: Thank you for this masterpiece of stating the feelings of so many people. Not every person is so blinded by the football hero worship of vick. You said it all and with so much class! Great piece!

I agree 100% that there should have been more broadcast on the horrendous crimes he committed against animals. The media should have portrayed him as the monster that he is, and not as a victim. He is far worse than an animal abuser, he is a sociopath. He should never be allowed to own any animal again. He is a pathetic excuse for a human being.

Addiction to violence and heinous crimes is an ADDICTION! There is NOTHING that Michael Vick can say to manipulate me into thinking he is a changed and suddenly compassionate man. He is the psychological equivalent of a Jeffrey Dalmer who also enjoyed hurting animals. If we lived in a just world, Michael Vick would be beheaded and not allowed to take air for it is too good for him. For all you Vick supporters, you have a severe disconnect or problem seeing this man for what he is....scum unworthy of life. Would you give Jeffrey Dalmer a 2nd chance in a room with a loved one? Of course his PR agent has him professing his sorry self...love of money...nothing else! This man is breathing pond scum and will be until we have laws that are just.

It would be nice to see the ASPCA issue a statement regarding President Obama's "Thanks for Hiring Michael Vick" message recently issued to the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles.

To all of you who are deciding to boycott the NFL, Leonard Little got behind the wheel of a car while drunk and killed a woman. HE KILLED A WOMAN!!! That wasn't the time to boycott, after he was reinstated and allowed to play? Vick shouldn't be allowed to earn a living because of what he did? Just because he was reinstated doesn't mean he was given his old life back. A team still had to take a chance on him. It simply gave him the opportunity to earn a living, something everyone deserves, and nothing more. Further, can someone please show me some evidence that cruelty towards animals leads to cruelty to humans? You cannot say that it's "common knowledge." Show me how it is common knowledge. Find me one shred of evidence that says that. There simply isn't any. Just because I tell you it's common knowledge that all people with brown eyes are murderers doesn't mean it's true. And how the hell can you justify that because Vick killed dogs he would have killed children? That might be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Because you took five dollars from your father's wallet when you were younger are you capable of robbing the federal reserve? It just makes no sense. Come on people, use your brain. The main made an egregious error in judgement, it is really disgusting what he did. But don't fool yourself into believing that he is the only one, or that he is the reason that dogs are killed. He took part in it and he has paid his price with nearly 2 years in prison. Little got 90 days in jail for killing a human being, and was reinstated after an 8 game suspension. Vick was bankrupted, lost everything, including over $40 million in that span. Now he is drawing more attention to the issue of animal cruelty than anyone in history ever could have. Please just get over yourselves, if he hasn't paid his price an earned a second chance with everything he has done, than no one deserves a second chance.

I will never support ASPCA again. Michael Vick messed up terribly. He went to jail for nearly two years. You talk about moral character and judgment. I bet each member of ASPCA if closely investigated has at some point made mistakes. Have none of you ever cheated on a spouse, killed a child via abortion, reveled in pornography, drank to excess in college or even cheated on taxes. I am sure if your lives were under a microscope dirt could be found. You guys are hypocrites. You care more about animals than people. Vick did some awful things, however his rehabilitation can be an powerful example to help thousands of youth to avoid bad choices and work for the good of society. For the sake of vengence (for the animals) you would prefer to squash the opportunity for him to be a positive voice to these youth? I am not saying we forget the atrocities but rather we use him to show how heinous dog fighting is. One of its former champions coming out strongly against it teaching young people not to go down that path-- what more can you ask for? He can influence more in a year than your organization can in a decade. Like I said before you guys simply care more about animals than for thousands of inner city youth. You hypocrites!

You all should be ashamed of yourself....like you have never done anything wrong in your life and not deserved a 2nd chance. The man f'd up. He admitted it and paid in a way you will never understand or truly comprehend. If he was a plumber or an electrician you would have no problem letting him go back to work and resume the rest of his life.....but the fact that he is an athlete and earns a high income?? Oh, you hate that....cause he earns more in one season than you earn in 20-30 yrs of salary. Let the man be, he will still be a successful black man regardless of your hate. You all are a bunch of hypocrites.....

Perhaps I should remind everyone that Vick was accused of killing Pit Bulls. I know how much all of you LOVE that breed! (smirk) We're not talking about collies or golden retrievers here folks but Pit Bulls. The most hated breed in the US and now all of sudden you people want to defend them and whatever! (yea - okay) If you guys care so much about Pit Bulls why don't you go to your local shelter and adopt them and saved them from being slaughtered at the astounding rates in which they are being killed. (crickets..) right! "Of the total U.S. pit bull population of circa 3.5 million, about a third arrive at a shelter in any given year, at an average age of about 18 months. This is the same average age and rate, relative to their number on farms, at which steers go to slaughter. Two-thirds to 80% of the pit bulls entering shelters are surrendered by their keepers. Most of the rest are impounded, either for behavior or as victims of abuse and neglect." ANIMAL PEOPLE July/August 2009

johnnywhiteboi is an idiot. he prob thinks that clinton was the whole reason for the booming economy and that gore DID invent the internet. vick should have never been allowed to play pro again...i only hope that the owner is taking half of his money and donating it to the aspca.

DON'T YOU PEOPLE KNOW THAT VICK HAD to be a speaker for animal groups? That was part of his plea deal! It's all an act! There are some dumb people out there.

First thing I would like to comment is to Johnny Whiteboi: Your grammar and ediquette is obnoxious. I'm surprised the orgazation let your statement go through. Secondly, stay on the subject at hand. President Bush has nothing to do with horrific dog fighting/killing crimes. It is clear to me that you have no regard for animals "Whitboi." More importantly, what Vics did to not one but all of those dogs, he doesn't derserve a chance to redeem himself. I saw him in the first public T.V. appearance he made, and even then he didn't show remorse of any kind. His excuse for the hideous behavior he eluded was, "That's all I knew growing up." That is a feeble and sick excuse that only a sociopath with no conscience portrays. Regardless of your weak excuse, it doesn't make what you did right. Those animals were helpless, voiceless, defensless, and tortured under your control. I would have liked to see him sit through a few more Superbowls in the slammer. What goes around comes around Vics, and I would hate to be you when your karma comes back to get you. Thank you ASPCA for not trusting the opportunity in working with Vics. We need to make animal cruelty crimes much stricter in this country. If they were made to be tougher than we'd be sending the message that violence to any group of defensless, voiceless people is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. This would then make accountability on hurting groups such as children, and the elderly follow suit.

Compassion for animals is the hallmark of the ASPCA>>>> and what happened to the miricle dog oreo?

Look here guys, Mike Vick paid his debt to society besides anywhere else in the world this wouldn't be illegal. what about ex president bush killing all these innocent people in the middle east?? that's ok cuz the white man said its ok?? or what about mma or boxing those people just about kill each other but that's ok. Or Rodney King?? that's ok right?? Well like I said Mr. Vick is out now, after paying his debt to society and now he is making more money and is more famous than all of us on this blog combined!! Did you guys know that he holds the 4th position in the NFL for jersey sales and he is not even a starting player?? That's great, he has amazing talent and only in America are animals treated better than people. These dogs were bred for the purpose of the sport and if it wasn't for the sport they would never have been brought here. Besides they were pit bulls which is a breed made for the sport with extremely high tolerance for pain, It's not like they were putting up tigers to eat little bunnies. Or how about the cows you guys kill to eat or the chickens?? that's okay right?? Im sure they don't suffer when you guys slaughter them. haha.

Wayne Pacelle was featured in an article in yesterday's New York Daily News, defending his decision to work with Vick, declaring the aftermath of the Vick case "the best possible outcome", etc. None of it rang true because none of it is. I laughed when he spoke of how Vick's handlers asked "the major" animal welfare organization in the country to work with their client. (That was after the ASPCA, Best Friends and even PETA said no.) The HSUS is the wealthiest animal group but is far from the leading one. The ASPCA and Best Friends each have more current dues-paying members than HSUS without the financial scandals, wasteful fundraising practices and general sleaze that permeates the organization. Pacelle is comfortable with Vick because he values money, power and celebrity more than he values animals or the people who mistakenly donate to his organization.

thanks for speaking for those who cant or dont have the courage to dicuss this crime

I totally agree with your stand. If he was truly repentant he would have provided the powers that be with the names of the other people who were involved in these atrocious acts. He hasn't done that as far as I know and until he does so he doesn't deserve anything other than our contempt.

Well said Mr. Sayres. It is undoubtedly an attribute to any endeavor of social outreach to have a spokesperson with whom your targeted constituency can relate. however, if that spokesperson's acts of cruelty become whitewashed by their cooperation, is not a greater social injustice done on a whole? The importance of groundbreaking legislation is not merely defined by the case through which it surfaces, but rather by the precedent through which it endures.

Way to go for you guys! I totally agree with everything you've said. I believe Michael Vick is simply a murderer. If he can carry out these vicious acts upon animals, he is capable of doing so to children as well. And you will never get me to believe differently.

He's only "sorry" because he got caught..scumbag lowlife.

Since the beginning of this travesty I have wanted to write Mr. Vick myself, but have not known of the appropriate forum. I realize that he will probably never read this, but I am writing as much for myself and others as I am for him. I have a great love for animals and was not able to even hear his name without becoming physically sick. I was one who wished that his sentence would have been up to me....it would have been severe. I wished that I alone would have decided his future in football....he would have never played again. I vowed to cease all support of agencies that partnered with him. HOWEVER...I like Mr. Vick was wrong. After listening to him speak I realized that if he could truly change and then share that transformation with others then a greater good could be achieved. Now I feel hopeful when I hear about hear about his partnerships and speaking plans. I am grateful that he has begun the work he vowed to in speaking with young people. He has been afforded an opportunity that few get in life...and it is not to play professional football.....rather it is to leave behind a legacy....one that has the potential to change our nation...that is to create a kinder gentler world....in working with agencies that support the better treatment of animals he will also be working toward creating a more responsible young people...it is well known that cruelty towards animals leads to cruelty of humans. Making this his mission...to impact teens regarding the abuse of animals... will leave a better world for his children and give them someone that they can be proud of. I look forward to all that he can achieve. I pray that he not grow weary and that he doesn't allow himself to be misled. This is his DESTINY...playing football is his reward for doing the right thing. And while it is entirely possible that he is conning himself and others, including me...the truth is that even in that there is the possibility that he will impact children that would have engaged in cruelty if not for him. For that, I can put my personal feelings regarding Mr. Vick aside and hope for tomorrow....if one animal is spared tomorrow because of something he says today,the fame and fortune he has that allowed that to take place will be worth it.

Michael Vick has still not shown any remorse for the dogs. He keeps commenting on how it ruined "his" life and what "he" lost and where "he" wound up....but never one word about feeling any remorse for the barbaric cruelty to the animals. I'm willing to give people second chances, but he has not yet apologized for what he DID to the dogs....all animals are gods creatures and deserve more than he is giving.

I would personally like to THANK YOU SO MUCH for holding true to your commitment to fight against cruelty to animals. When I began reading your letter, I was worried that you were going to take the same approach as "the other organization who committed to fighting against cruelty to animals." That organization, in the end, sold out to Vick by letting him become a spokesperson for them. I stopped giving monthly donations to that organization, because I want nothing to do with Vick or anyone who supports him. I work too hard for my money, and I remained faithful to giving monthly donations even through this recession. I was afraid I was going to have to retract my monthly donations to the ASPCA, too. However, your letter is EXACTLY what I needed to see to prove to me that the ASPCA truly DOES speak for defenseless animals! Even though I have had NFL season tickets for three years now, I am boycotting the NFL and selling my tickets. Any money I make from the tickets will go to a proven organization that truly DOES speak out for animals. So, be expecting some larger donations from me once I get my NFL tickets sold! Thanks again for all that you do and for holding true to your word!!!

Isuggest all animal lovers boycot their tv coverage by not watching any Philadelphia Eagle games.I don't think this would be to much to ask & would be much more effective than at the game.The Nfl commissioner would sure take notice & I believe refuse to reinstate Vick . I'am hoping the ASPCA will try to start some sort of ground swell on this as TV money is more important than tickets at the gate.

I put your letter on my blog. http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com/ We are their voice!

Thank you so much ASPCA!Thanks for being honest and telling it like it is!You saw what Micheal Vick did first hand.Those poor dogs that he tortured.I am so upset that people are just cheering him on.People thinks he is so great he is a criminal but yet people worship him!He does not care about anyone but himself and his millions!This country is very inhumane.If he did it to these poor animals he will do it to a human next!

Did Mr. Vick ever help the authorities investigate any other people involved in dog fighting rings. He must know the people whose dogs he was fighting against. If he were truly trying to amend his ways, he would have stepped forward with information.

Thanks for a terric position statement. I also am not convinced Mr. Vick is sorry - just sorry he got caught. I will not watch any NFL game in which he plays. His reinstatement has severely impacted my enjoyment of the NFL. As a monthly Partner, I applaud your stand and am proud to continue my support. I wish HSUS had as much thought for the victims.

I agree 100%. While I believe in 2nd chances, I have not seen any indication that Mr. Vick is truly sorry. Other than statements that "he now knows he was wrong", I have not seen or heard him say or do anything concrete about his so called repentance. I truly wanted to see him "walk the walk" but have seen NO INDICATION that he wants to help or has helped. It seems that as soon as he was hired by a ball team, his silence was truly deafening! I will continue to boycott any company that has anything to do with Mr. Vick and I would urge all animal lovers who continue to be horrified by his actions to do the same until he convinces us that he is truly repentant.

I very strongly agree with the ASPCA's stance on this issue. It's nice to see I'm not the only one opposed to Michael Vick.

I am truly upset that the CEO of the ASPCA in Va got off from leaving her blind and deaf dog in her car for four hours and NOTHING has been done. She was an advocate to send Mr. Vicks to prison. Is she any better than him? He did his time what about her? Can someone explain that......

Thank you ASPCA for doing the right thing. I don't believe the "so called" sincerity of Michael Vick. No one can possible change their heart from a sick sadistic monster to an animal lover. It's a joke and he's only doing it for his own security and to play ball. Like saying a phedophile is cured after 6 mo in jail. They should all be put 10ft under....

aspca and spca are differant orginizations and you quickly seperate yourselves from ms starr, ceo of richmond spca, but mr. sayres publicly supports ms starr and her husbands negligence that caused the death of a dog. are you to say that everyone else that has been prosecuted for accidental pet deaths should be forgiven or are you going to get to the bottom of this and see that animals rights justice prevails here?

Thank you ASPCA for all that you do...The current situation with Michael Vick scares me. It scares me because kids look at him as a role model. Are kids going to watch football and think, "I can do whatever I want, Michael Vick did!" I believe that everyone deserves a second chance... However, what about the precious animals that suffered so terribly when all they wanted was to live and be loved. Where is their second chance? I don't buy anything that Michael Vick has to say... we don't know what still might be going on behind closed doors. Thank you for being the Angels that are watching out for all animals! I support you full heartedly and wish that I could do more!

Isn't it incredulous that the CEO of the Richmond SPCA - The most outspoken critic of Michael Vick baked her "beloved dog" to death in her own car last week and the organization attempts to sweep it under the rug and retain her? Michael Vicks actions were in the least dispicable... but where do we place the double standars of the ASPCA?

Michael Vick should have never been reinstated. Goodell ignored the petitions and phone calls asking that Vick be banned for life, and reinstated Vick with help from Wayne Pacelle of HSUS, after PETA dropped their offer when Vick refused a brain scan and pyschological exams. Pacelle is no stranger to controvery, he was investigated for the lost files in regard to animals from Hurricane Katrina, and also financial manners, of HSUS. Thank god the ASPCA has the nerve to speak and is not afraid of Vick or HSUS.

Mr. Sayres, Wonderfully said. More often than not I wonder "what is this country thinking"? What goes on is so wrong and so very sad. It's all about the money. So sad and pathetic.

This is the best perspective on the whole Vick saga that I've seen. Bravo to the ASPCA for not capitulating to an unrepentant man and his marketing strategists. It is my belief that he is incapable of understanding his evil acts. I hope he is forgotten soon, but that his crimes compel people to speak and act against dog fighting until it is eradicated.

John, the ASPCA and the Richmond SPCA are two different organizations, they just have names that sound alike. The case with the dog in the car you're referring to doesn't involve anyone who works for the ASPCA.

Vick has been doing these despicable dog fights since he was 8 years old by his own admission. I think if he had not been killing dogs he would be killing human beings. It is not that much of a stretch.

Thank you! this was EXACTLY what I have been saying since talk of his reinstatement started. Let him work concession at the games, not as a player kids look up to! According to this Philly news article http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/cover-story/Tails-of-the-City.html dog fighting has INCREASED since Vick's arrest yet they still do not hand out sentences with jail time! Thanks to the ASPCA and other groups like Bad Rap maybe people will see him for what he really is, a money hungry sadist who should be shunned not accepted until he shows that he is truly sorry, sorry not that he got caught but actually sorry for what he did.

I appreciate the ASPCA's honest and forthright reply to Michael Vick's offer to become a spokesperson. I believe that what he did to those animals is one of the more deplorable acts of sickening violence we'll ever know. At the same time, I respect his right to make a living at his given profession....football. The man did indeed do his "time" as set forth by the powers that be. Having watched his interview on 60 Minutes, I've decided to reserve judgement on whether or not he truly is remoarseful for what he did. My hope is that he will take the initiative and realize that he is in a truly unique position now to speak out and fight against cruelty to animals, both big and small. Keep up the good work ASPCA!!

Thank you for having the Courage to NOT have amnesia. Thank you for choosing to continue to hear the cries of the dead, the dying, and those still wounded by this form of cruelty.

I am in complete agreement with the letter written by the ASPCA regarding Michael Vick. You will find very few ex-cons who are able to go out and make a million dollars a year when they are fresh out of prison. The Philadelphia Eagles allowing that to happen is a disgrace. Vick needs years of therapy to fix what is wrong with him. Two years behind bars won't do that. Shame on the entire Eagles Association for allowing the murderer of animals to play on their team.

I think it is deplorable and disgusting that an organization can condon such acts as Micheal vicks committed and let him back in as a star, he was not punished enough,and certainly he is no star. He does not deserve to live in notoriety why is it that because there is money involved nothing else matters that is sickening. He should suffer the same as those poor animals he abused and tortured. I am appalled

Based on this article, I am actually beginning to again respect the ASPCA and believe that the ASPCA is a group who will REALLY go to the mat to help animals. Keep it coming! As for Vick, those of you who write and say has paid his debt, you need to go out there on the internet and get the details of his sick, depraved, cruelty. This was not just dogfighting. He tortured the dogs in unspeakable ways outside of the ring. Groups like this one do not take such a stand without good reason. Dig deeper, all of you, and educate yourselves. Thank you ASPCA for doing right by animals.

If you are a football player you will get away with whatever you do. And the city of brotherly love will embarce you as well as ATT,Nissian Wachovia, and the golden arches of general polution and now sponcering dog killers McDonalds

Thank you for standing by animals, rather than enabling Vick's comeback, as the Humane Society is stupidly doing. Vick had second, third, and 60th chances to do the right thing, but he continued to torture and murder dogs, over and over, over a course of years. Each time he tormented a dog, laughing as the creature cried in pain, was a new chance to do the right thing, and he blew it, time and again. And he lied about it. He's only pretending to be sorry (and doing a poor job of it, at that) because he got caught (not because he suddenly developed a conscious -- he could never have HAD one to begin with, to do the evil things he did). And he's continuing to lie and act manipulatively only for his own gain -- if he cared about animals, he would not have been capable of hanging them, drowning them, forcing them to fight one another to the death, forcing them to rape one another. Anyway, I am proud of your organization (and PETA) for supporting the victims, not enabling the criminal. As soon as I read this statement, I made a donation to the ASPCA. Your heart and your actions are in the right place. Bless you.

A job well done on choosing not to partner with Vick. There is something to be said about redemption and contrition, but you are absolutely right that you have not seen enough to convince you that there has been remorse or actions to back up his words. Shame on the NFL and especially the Eagles for showing America that you can be cruel and inhumane to innocent animals, get out of prison early for 'good behavior' and then go right back to making millions with very little consequence. While I do believe in second chances, Vick has shown next to nothing of making amends for his actions. Is he out volunteering at an animal shelter or doing commercials speaking against animal abuse? No, he's at football training getting paid way beyond what he deserves. Somebody has to take a stand against this and ASPCA, you took the higher road and did just that. Thank you.

Thank you so much for your beautifully written article. I have always supported the ASPCA. I was so glad you took this stand. For the NFL and the Eagles to give him this opportunity is sickning. Anyone that tortures animals or people is sick. No difference!

In principle I totally agree that cruelty to animals (or humans) is deplorable and should be punished (and Mr. Vick was and subsequently released) I must wince at the self-righteous sanctimony of those who will not forgive and allow Mr. Vick to repair. Here we can have a champion for animal rights just as born again Christians further the message of Christ but they who find stimulation in casting stones say no. Just imagine if you had never received forgiveness for past crimes or misjudgments what incentive would you have to improve? I again recognize Mr. Vick as guilty of a heinous crime but I also forgive him in his quest to regain his soul and it is not up to me to judge him nor read into his thoughts. On a similar note the notion of a higher standard or “role model” for professional athletes is somewhat maligned. Nether Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and many others etc. were poor role models until some sponsor found a way to capitalize on them. The nature of the game and its aggression flies in the face of morality just as the dilemma of a solder killing the enemy. Debate this if you will but if you held every professional athlete to a lily-white standard…well frankly they would most likely get their butts kicked by those who don’t.

Thank you for your public statement. I applaud the ASPCA for speaking out about their stand on Michael Vick/situation.

Vick should never be rewarded by his past heinous acts to play once again in the NFL. I hope the Eagles lose their behinds this year and that every animal lover in the country boos the heck out of this guy. The crimes he committed against these poor, innocent animals is a sickness, as sure as serial murderers Vick, if given half a chance, would sooner get his thrills out of torturing one of God's most vulnerable than to show any act of kindness. He is only sorry he got caught, the NFL really made a huge mistake by putting money over innocent lives. Anyone who thinks that there is too much fuss made over Vick killing innocent animals is just as bad as he is! I laugh when I hear some say "dogs do not have a soul." What a crock, they are God's own angels and will lick the hand that tortures them! I'm positive there will be dogs in heaven, as for the Vick's of the world, not so sure at all that they have a soul. Anyone who can look into the innocent face of puppies, kitties and all the other creatures of the world that are vulnerable to humans and still take pleasure in maiming and torturing them are the Devil himself.

Vick did not make a mistake; he is evil!

Ed, Now that's the kind of letter I expect from a leading animal welfare agency. What's the point of forgiving or giving a second chance to a sociopath who would repeat his actions if he thought he could get away it. HSUS doesn't realize that Vick's lack of remorse or contrition is what his target audience will pick up on

I applaud the ASPCA for this statement. This is an organization which has morals, values, and truly stands by them. This is why I am a VERY PROUD supporter of the ASPCA and will always be. They are about doing the right thing not money, greed and publicity like the HSUS. I used to be a supporter of the HSUS until they took part in this p.r. circus involving (you know who). Since then I have cut all ties with them. There are many other organizations out there fighting the same causes as them. As far as the NFL and (you know who). I was sickened by the news of his employment. I was not sure what I was going to do if or when he was signed. When the news broke on the Steelers pre season game against the Cardinals I was sickened. I did not know what to do or think. I was a huge fan of the NFL and could not wait for the season to start. In a few short seconds it all became clear to me. It was over. I changed the channel and just cannot stomach the thought of that scumbag (who never spent a day in prison for animal cruelty or dog fighting charges, even though he admitted to killing those dogs) being talked abaout and praised as a football player. No matter what, I would not be able to get away from (you know who). My final decision is absolutely nothing to do with the NFL. I don't watch anything on ESPN that could possibly have anything to do with hearing his name or seeing his horrific face, no NFL network, no more espn radio at work, no fantasy football, absolutely nothing. I thought it would be tough but it is actually quite pleasent not listening to the idiot commentators talking about how he deserves this and so on. There is life without the NFL and it is OK. As far as comparing this to other crimes and punishments served, is an issue with our legal system. For example the recent dui manslaughter charge against another nfl player who only served thirty days in jail etc. I do not agree with the sentencing in anyway, but it was a split second decision on whether he should get behind the wheel or not. (You know who's) decision went on for I think about seven years. That is not a poor decision that is a lifestyle. It seems to me that as soon as he got his signing bonus from his first contract with the falcons he went out and started the whole dog fighting organizaition. At least that is what it looks like to me. He was just waiting for his payday so he could fund it. If he didn't know it was wrong, like he said, why was he hiding it? (you know who) is a scumbag and a horrible quarterback anyway. If he couldn't run nobody would even want him. Maybe there is on NFL player on a defense somewhere in the league that is sickened by this, and will make it so that (you know who) won't be able to run anymore. I feel no remorse for rapists, murders, child molesters, dog fighters, animal abusers and so on. By no means am I perfect, nobody is. We all know whats right, whats wrong and have decions to make through out our lives. I try to live my life so that I do not hurt other people or animals. People that do are sick and deserve to rot in hell. Murders, rapists, child molesters do not derserve a second chance, in my opinion at all. They are sick and can't be rehabilitated. They should be taken out back and shot once convicted, and save a lot of taxpayer's money, which could go to more important things. (You know who) deserves to get a second chance, just not in the spotlight of the NFL. There are many, many careers out there that once you are convicted of a felony you are no longer alowed to be employed in that field. Why should this scumbag get paid 1.5 million dollars this year and potentionaly 5.4 million dollars next year. Think about that while we all bust our behinds at our 9 to 5 jobs. Thank you so much ASPCA for standing true to your values and to all the other organizations who have done the same. We can make a difference in the war against dog fighting the right way. We don't need a p.r. circus with a criminal. There are many good people, atheletes and so on out there, that are good role models and can make a difference in small communities or on a national level.

i personally do think that Vick is NOT SORRY FOR HIS ACTS OF CRUELTY i think he ssays things that will help get him back into the NFL.i think the philadelphia Eagles were WRONG IN SIGNING HIM. It sends a bad message.

Mr. Natural, your statements fail to understand that it is not self righteous sanctimony that believes that a rapist or child molester is not likely to be rehabbed. Those crimes, as with this one, display a certain level of depravity and indifference that goes beyond the period of incarceration. To hurt an innocent, those who would depend on us for protection, is an especially heinous act. Vick committed these acts over and over again. Would you be so quick to utilize an individual who committed rape or incest and allow them to be near children and speak out against those crimes on a public stage? Perhaps, you should not judge those wary individuals so harshly and allow that their skepticism is perhaps a desire to protect those they have been charged with protecting. And you bring up a good point about born agains. The hypocrisy displayed by those who would preach to people about the error of their ways regarding acts they have committed is very analogous to this situation. And their preaching rings hollow in both cases.

Well stated; thank you for dealing with the fallout of the Evil Mr. Vick and for continuing to speak up on behalf of the animals.

Michael Vick is not sorry for what he did to those animals. He is only sorry he got caught! He should have spent at the very least 10 years in jail and getting a high paying job with the NFL after what he did? He should have gone to work at a McDonald's like other working people.

For those of you who still don't "get it" - think about what it would actually take for you to perpetrate those acts on a dog - to strangle it, slam it to the ground, electrocute it, etc. Then maybe you'll understand just how sick a person has to be to do that over and over again. Maybe then you'll realize this wasn't merely a case of "bad decisions." Hopefully something good comes from this, but I doubt that type of sickness gets rehabilitated in prison. The NFL's decision speaks volumes about our society's sickness - its obsession with money, celebrity, and fame. I have always admired the ASPCA, and this piece attests to the organization's integrity, and its genuine desire to end animal cruelty.

He served his time and he now has the job. It sucks that he got it but move on. Quite beating this story to a pulp.

For those of you who are of the opinion that vick "did his time", your utter lack of compassion for one of God's own creatures put you in a similar category with this pathetic excuse of a human being. He not only killed these poor creatures, he tortured them in the most heinous sickest way possible! I am a believer in second chances, but the punishment does not fit the crime in this instance. Regardless of whether someone is an animal lover or not these dogs experienced horrific pain, and it churns my stomach. No living creature human or otherwise deserves such treatment. I trully believe that there is a special place in hell for cold-hearted snakes like him.

Dear Mr. Sayres, the good thing is the ASPCA took its time issuing a fairly level-headed, well-written press statement, which can't be said for the abismal, poorly-researched piece of scrap that PETA printed. Although well-written, I find the entire statement fundamentally unconvincing for one reason: you never explain WHY you perceive Vick the way you do. You write, "We are simply not convinced that Mr. Vick has demonstrated compassion toward animals as living beings or the necessary remorse for his criminal actions against them." Ok fine, but why aren't you convinced? What about his words, actions, demeanor, emotions, etc. brings them to that judgment? Have you met with Vick in person? Then you say, "It is questionable whether he will have any credibility as an educator on the dog fighting issue. The ASPCA welcomes a national conversation on animal cruelty and especially dog fighting, but questions Mr. Vick's ability to lead it." Again why? These are broad, unsubstantiated statements that would be thrown in the ASPCA's face if you were in a debate competition. You may welcome a national conversation, but do you welcome a conversation with the perpetrators themselves, which seems to me the most important conversation conceivable? I find it self-contradictory that the ASPCA hammers home the need to focus on the animals as opposed to Vick, and then closes the whole shebang with "Will Mr. Vick have learned something?...we will be watching." Are you sure you and your staff have absorbed your own point? I believe Vick is not only genuine but also learning, and here's why. He's said all the right things in every press conf/interview; he's apologized profusely; he's specifically listed the things he did wrong which shows he's not hiding from his past; he's patiently weathered barrage after barrage of prying, pushing, condescending, didactic, repetitive questions from reporters, which shows he understands his short leash and he's in no position to push back; he's openly agreed with his punishment, not just jail-time but his life losses; his attitude is vastly more humble and understated than his Atlanta days; and he's re-entering his profession with a demotion and reduced pay (although still very high by absolute standards, which is not Vick's fault but the industry's). The PR team he hired could be viewed as much an attempt at honest self-improvement as selfish "celebritizing." In addition, everyone who has spoken directly with Vick offers the same consistent story: he has changed and is improving. Many of these people are more than publicly credible. I haven't heard of a single person who has met with Vick and said anything different. Have you? I do wonder how much sympathy Vick feels for the animals he killed (who knows), or animals in general. The latter is an emotion I would only expect from an experienced pet owner or wilderness lover. There are plenty of folks who don't relate to animals well. If you expect Vick to develop that sensibility, then at some future time you must expose him to a positive relationship with an animal. In general, I'm a bit disenchanted with some animal rights activists/orgs for their moral high ground posturing. Some assume the "answer" is obvious and as a decent person you have no choice but to see it their way. Such narrow-mindedness strikes me as unintelligent. In Vick's case, another obvious moral issue is at hand: that of a former convict returning to society. America's track record on that issue is probably WORSE than animal rights and I think people would do well to give it some thought. The Humane Society has found a way to address both issues at once, and the Eagles are part of that solution. The ASPCA is not. I'm a big tree-hugger, animal lover (particularly cats), wildlife aficionado, and Eagles fan. I deeply despised what Vick did, I was glad to see him imprisoned, and I was adamantly against him joining the Eagles. But now he's in Philly and it forces us as fans to confront the issue within our own hearts. I've given it a lot of thought and while I have my moral beliefs, I'm not too high on myself to reassess them upon new experiences.

Let me start by saying that I have compassion (being a dog owner for 11 years)with that being said I wonder if this had been your average Joe if we would all still be talking about it and begrudging Mr. Average Joe a second chance @ life ( a chance to reform) - first and foremost none of us (NOT ONE OF US) is perfect, we all have made mistakes and/or bad choices we are just fortunate enough to not be in the spotlight - Vick said that he is sorry and remorseful and it is not for us to judge there is but one true judge and the last time I checked his name was/is Jesus Christ - people let it go and let God handle it. Peace & Blessings

Ed Sayres' article The Road Ahead for Michael Vick was done beautifully. Thank you for taking a bold stand. I solute you, Ed. It is so well written. When you wrote.....It is important to state that the ASPCA is extremely disappointed that owner Jeff Lurie hired him for his team before it was clear that Mr. Vick has truly developed a sense of compassion for his victims, the animals whose lives were taken by him...I stood up and cheered you. When you referenced 60 minuets by saying... 60 Minutes provided a convicted criminal a national platform to selfishly focus on his own recovery....I danced that some one besides myself saw this interview as capitalizing off the dogs he murdered. He should not, must not, be invited back into the public eye earning millions of dollars. What he did was far more than a mistake. Mistakes are car accidents, having unprotected sex or getting into a fight because you're drunk or high. What Vick did was pre-meditated, deliberate and went on for many years. And I'm not buying that line about it being a cultural thing. When you are as high profile as Vick was, you discard cultural things that may be seen as unacceptable. In other words, he knew better, He's only sorry that he got caught. I understand that Vick needs to get on with his life. But he should not be in a position of financial and/or public power. He should be washing dishes and bussing tabels someplace dingy, dirty and horrible. The sad thing is, and I totally blame our society, is that the first time Vick scores a big play in a game, he will be completely exonerated by all football fans. I can't even look at him. He is so wrong. And get this....The Vick team are offering a football jersey with his name and number on it FOR DOGS TO WEAR. It's been on the news and here's a brief piece about it.... http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-random21-2009aug21,0,4992058.story On sale now: Michael Vick jerseys for dogs. Really. NFL says it sees no problem with quarterback's name being available for customizable pet product. By Mark Medina August 20, 2009 | 7:17 p.m. In the latest sign that the NFL is trying to give Michael Vick another chance, fans can order on NFLShop.com a Philadelphia Eagles dog jersey with Vick's name on the back………. "As far as putting it on the dog product, he's working with humane societies, working to educate others on this issue, so we don't see a problem." This is outrageous. Vick is already making money off his horribleness. Vick is a bad bad man and he is not redemable.

Once an abuiser always an abuiser. Mr Vick has just learned to play the game so he can collect a big pay check. You do not have to show someone abuise is wrong weather it is a human or and animal it just is.

Bravo to the ASPCA! Somebody finally got it! While Mr. Vick has paid his legal & financial dues for the crimes of dog fighting & interstate gambling, he has never addressed the sadistic acts committed by himself or others on his behalf. He would have earned his chance at "redemption" if he went and spent time working with every single one of his surviving dogs and the organizations that saved them from his torture. Let him look into their eyes and answer to them. Let him use some of his future salary to support them for the rest of their lives. Only then would he have a real chance at learning & understanding the horrors of the decisions he made. The Eagles have every right to sign him, but I have every right NOT to support any public figure whose personal conduct is, in my eyes, offensive. Going on a road trip with Waye Pacelle, HSUS is a joke. Mr. Vick, who tried to kill the dogs before they were seized and Mr. Pacelle who tried to kill them after they were seized. What a pair!

I will not support the ASCPA at any level. When a HUMAN BEING come to you and wants to help right a wrong, and you turn him down? I guess you are to good for us HUMAN BEINGS who sometimes make mistakes.

Michael Vick should be doing jail time for what he has done. The football leagues should ban him from ever playing again. Sports players are roll models for our children. What message is being sent when someone who is able to do such unspeakable things to animals is placed as a roll model for our children? Shame on the Eagles for even considering Michael Vick as one of their players.

Do you not think he served time? I think he deservs another chance thank god the ASPCA does not run the court systems in america.

People make mistakes. As long as people learn from them and try to turn their life around, who are all of you to judge them? Yes, he hurt a lot of dogs. Maybe he really wants to work with the ASPCA to try and make amends for what he did. I just hope all of you are just as cruel when someone hurts a child.

While the HSUS should be commended in their efforts to stop dogfighting, and their efforts in wanting to turn something positive out of the MVick disaster, we cannot and do not fault them for this. It is the ASPCA that has the wisdom to know that nothing but example is going to send the most powerful message. Acceptance in Vicks re-enlistment to his million dollar career after such heinous acts sends a POWERFUL WRONG message to our youth today. THANKS ASPCA for having the wisdom to know this simple fact. ASPCA reminds me of the wise old grandfather to the much younger, impulsive junior- HSUS, who has great ideas, but not the necessary fortitude to make the best decisions. We long for ASPCA to take the HSUS under their wing in guidance, but we also know that sometimes the juniors of the world (like HSUS) think they know best, and there is no telling them different. Sometimes we must let the juniors of the world figure out things the harder way. But thanks ASPCA for guiding US the RIGHT WAY. We will be behind you every step of the way.

Hooray for the ASPCA. Michael is and always be a felon, no doubt in any educated minds. HSUS ought to be ashamed, I am done with them. Too bad they are losing so many supporters.

I can no longer consider myself a fan of the Eagles. I was horrified that Mr. Vick be allowed to join the NFL, really as if nothing had happened. Everytime I would hear his name, it would evoke the dispicable acts that he and his friends committed' without any conscience, to defenseless animals. Perhaps the public should have seen more vivid pictures of their horrible cruelty (like seeing the mistreated and murdered victims in Hitler's death camps!) Then, maybe, it would not be so easy for those on the side of fame and the almightly dollar, to dismiss the error of his ways. Appalling! I am going to ask the editor of the Jersey Paw Prints to publish your letter in the October Issue of the paper. Thank you for speaking out.

Hiring Michael Vick at this time is like putting the cart before the horse. He has SO much to atone for, yet he hasn't even begun to make a dent in the fight against dogfighting. Who can tell what he is really thinking? All that can be judged is measurable results. Yet, there is no tangible evidence yet of his remorse, or that he's accomplished anything to put an end to dogfighting. IF, and AFTER he's accomplished something MAJOR THEN he could be considered for reinstatement but not before. If the dismissive comments of his fans are anything to go by ('it's just a dog' 'get a life' 'you're just a hater/racist etc.' then Michael Vick has a long way to go to undo the damage he has caused. His fans are still thinking the way he 'used' to think. That needs to change before he is extended the privilege of playing in the major leagues, in my opinion.

I am so tired of people using Michael Vick as an excuse to spew anger and hate. Dog fighting did not begin nor will it end with Mr. Vick. He got caught, Did his time, Now get over it. You want to be angry at something? Why not Youtube animal cruelty and see what the rodeo and the circus do to animals. It is worse than anything Mike Vick has the capacity to do. Where is your help there ASPCA? One after another these rodeo cowards drag young calfs behind horses killing or maiming them for entertainment. Why not get off of Vick and shine the light on them?

Moved beyond words, ASPCA.

Suzanne, Victim's Right Adovcate, Charles, and any other supporter of Michael Vick: It is hard to tell if you all mean well, and in doing so are incapable of being able to see the true horror of what Michael Vick and his cronnies did (as well as all dog fighters) or if you are just so blinded by sports fame, slick HSUS PR, and others whose sole interest is money and power that you refuse to acknowledge the truth. With the exception, perhaps, of Dante's "Inferno" there is no ranking for evil. Evil is what it is - EVIL. To make the argument that slavery was worse than what Vick did is specious at best. I agree, slavery, what was done to Native Americans, pedophilia, and a host of other evils abound and can be found throughout history, American as well as every other civilization. That one evil is less or more than another evil and therefore should merit less or more of a penalty is not much of a substative arguement. If that were the case, then we would have to execute some serial killers several times over, as some were even more evil than others. As for "Humans make mistakes", I agree. But for most people what Mr. Vick did was not a mistake. It was a planned, true and intentional act and without any possible excuse of "need or coercion". He willingly, willfully, and with great pleasure tortured, beyond intelligent human comprehension and understanding, sentient living beings. He did this simply because they did not please him, would not fight as he wanted, or, in the case of throwing helpless family pets as bait into fighting dog rings, for his own amusement. That is not a MISTAKE. That is EVIL. And when you talk about second chances, and shame on us for not being willing to give Mr Vick a second chance, and how bad we are for not being so forgiving, you are missing two large points. One: forgiveness comes in response to remorse and contrition. Simply opening one's mouth and saying how sorry one is falls far short of those; Two: the second chances that you speak of us giving everyday concerning the ASPCA, other animal rescue groups, and the thousands of us who labor daily, most of us with no monetary compensation, and do so willingly, are seond chances for those who have no crime, no sins, no planned agenda, no greed or lust for power, money and fame. They are the victims we give that second chance to, not the victimizers. When was the last time you gave a second chance to a rapist, a spousal abuser, a child beater or any of the other victims that you advocate for? We too are Victim's Rights Adovocates. Last time I checked, that was advocating for the victims. That is not Mr. Vick. Thank you ASPCA and Ed for speaking out and taking a stand. And thank you to every other animal rights and protection group, large and well known or small and unknown, who has done the same. Amazing, isn't it, at the line standing with ASPCA, BF, KinshipCircle, BadRap, Nathan Winograd, and so many other AR organizations. Applause and kudos to all of you. Amazing isn't it that it is only money, greed, and power who are standing with Vick and the HSUS.

What a way to set an example, may the rest of major organizations follow suit. Bless you ASPCA, and Mr. Ed Sayers.

Boycott the NFL. I threw away my Dallas gear and am now volunteering at my local shelter during every game. When I think about Vick's face being the last thing these loving and loyal animals saw before being killed, it makes my stomach turn. I cannot, in good conscience, be a part of anything of which he's a part.

We are their voice. Thanks ASPCA

This article turns my stomach. Animal lover made a very important point about forgiveness. If it were up to most animal lovers..Michael Vick would be cast away for all eternity. What about everyone else? Vick committed a sin against God. So its between the two of them. Why does everyone act like Vick owes them something? Remorse? His head on a platter? More and more and more and more and more punishment. We all want to be forgiven, but aren't willing to forgive. These two do not go together. WE must forgive in order to be forgiven. God wants us to know that we're equal and to act accordingly. Dog-fighter, rapist, theif, adulterer...and priest are all equal. All are imperfect and deserving of forgiveness. Please snap out of this. And if I hear the sociopath angle again I may explode. Think about slavery in this country. It makes Vick's dogfighting look like jaywalking. It was forgiven by most. And slave owners had a change of heart and even risked and lost their lives for change (civil war). Those who opposed anti-slavery weren't cast away like some of you want with Vick...nor did they get to play in the NFL. But they did get to continue running the country. Think about it...the most horrible act in our nation's history and running the country versus dogfighting and playing an organized sport??? How do you put this into perspective? Slavery was much worse. But there was change. Many people had a change of heart and although things are not perfect to date...they're much better. Anyone or any group of people have the capacity to change. At least allow this man to change. Let Jesus be a role model to us all. Don't rely on one another (pro athlete or not) because we are imperfect and have flaws. God wants us to forgive and to let him be the Judge. He has told us that we all have the opportunity to redeem ourselves. So who are we to override him? He also tells us to follow his word rather than act on or own emotion. This issue is much bigger than Michael Vick or animal cruelty......

We are their voice. Thanks Ed.

I praise God, Mr. Sayres, for your public statement. I live in Philadelphia and find the Eagles hiring of Michael Vick appalling. God in His wisdom and glory will rule in the end. These innocent animals are part of His kingdom and justice will triumph in the end. I will never watch an Eagles game. For your information, Dick's Sporting Goods, a Philly chain, is refusing to carry ANY Michael Vick merchandise. It's particularly appalling that in this city our football team hired this man, when Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies and his wife dedicate their money and time to animal welfare. Justice will reign in the end. Until then we must be vigorous in our prosecution of these sociopathic criminals.

I am so proud to be an animal advocate aligned with such powerful forces as the ASPCA. What a profound letter. Thanks

I grew up in Eagles country and have been a fan in the past. When I knew that Vick was about to return to the NFL I said I would boycott any team that was stupid enough to take him on. My heart sank when I found out it was our own Eagles. After listening to Vick speak both at the Eagles press conference and also on 60 Minutes, I have no doubt that he is sorry only for getting caught, not for any of the things he did. As for giving him another chance, I have this to say to Jeff Lurie: I thought your words at the press conference sounded sincere. Certanly more belivable that Vick's. You said that you placed him under close scrutiny for what he does off the field in the community to make some difference among the thugs who engage in dog fighting. What I am looking for is this, when Vick is a success on the field, but fails too keep up his end of the bargain in the community, will you, Mr. Lurie, have the courage to keep your word and send him packing out of Philadelphia? Whether or not I go back to being an Eagles fan depends on that one thing.

The best animal advocacy group there is the ASPCA and this letter proved it right here.

Michael Vick is a sick, sick, sick human being and a sorry excuse for a "man". I did truely appreciate and agree with what the letter stated about Vick and the dogs that came off of vick's property which vick treated like yesterday's trash. What still amazes me and not in a good way is this was the one chance that the NFL had to draw a line of what is acceptable and what is NOT acceptable and possible clean up their act and sadly enought the NFL passed up that chance and added one more crimanel to the star line up for our kids to look up to as a "hero". So, now kids can say michael vick is my hero and i want to be just like him - "Thank you" so much to the NFL to let our kids have one more role model like a micheal vick to look up to. What troubles me the most is that i do not and will never believe that vick is sorry for the right reasons - is he sorry he got caught, is he sorry he got all of his money taken away, is he sorry he was FOR A SHORT TIME taken away from his career of football - to all of these questions - yes. I do believe he is sorry for those things; BUT is he honestly sorry for what he did directly to those dogs - NO. I think that he should be allowed to be a civilian again working a 8 to 5 job like the rest of us, but to be handed back his dream on a siver platter - when he free willing chose his own actions to cause it to be taken away - is something only the NFL can find comfort in. The sadest part of this whole situation is the victims, the dogs, will be the ones that will recieve on going suffering - not micheal vick, the true criminal. The reason i say this is because it is just one more "mark" against pitbulls - a "monster" breed of a dog. It will be the pitbull that is banned from one more state, one more apartment, one more park, and it will be the pit bull that no one will adapt and have to be put down - all because it is such a "vicious" and "aggresive" breed. Yet, no one will take a stand or take the time to stop and think - Who made the pit bull that way? So instead of looking at the source of the problem (the pet owner) we will simpley as a nation banned the pit bull from one more city and one more state. Finally, i have to ask myself, the rest of the human race and more so the NFL one final question - have we really reached a point in this country that we would rather turn out backs to the source of the problem and be cowards instead of taking a stand, being a TRUE hero and doing the RIGHT thing. Michael Vick has been given a 2nd chance at his dream career while one more pitbull won't even be given a first chance - "Thank You" micheal vick and the nfl for "all that you do" - For encouraging dog fighting and ensuring that one more pitbull will either die in the fighting ring or humanly have to be put to sleep in animal shelter. You make such a "positive" role model in our socity and in our childrens life. In this situation, the victim of the game (the dogs) are the only ones that have been wrongly punished.

I do not believe Michael Vick is sorry for his actions. He is sorry he got caught and was convicted. In my opinion, his sentence was just a slap on the wrist. His claim that he made a mistake is so very wrong. What he and his friends did to those dogs was not a mistake but a choice. I shudder to think of the evil one has to have in one's heart to commit such acts against animals. I too am disgusted with the Philadelphia Eagles. I believe they will lose a lot of fans by signing him and I hope people all over boycott that team. In my opinion, not only did he not receive proper punishment, but he is now being rewarded. Unbelievable!

Thank you for being their voice. You have stayed hard and true to your mission.

MR.TONY DUNGY MAY THINK HE IS WAS DOING THE MORAL, THE CHRISTIAN THING BY MENTORING MICHAEL VICK BACK INTO THE N.F.L.. HOWEVER, IT IS MY BELIEF THAT MR. DUNGY WILL FIND IT MOST DISCONCERTING WHEN HE REALIZES HE HAS BEEN USED BY VICK SOLELY FOR PERSONAL GAIN. I DO NOT BELIEVE VICK HAD SOME GREAT AWAKENING, AN EPIPHANY WHILE IN PRISON. MOREOVER, I FEEL HE IS JUST DOING WHAT PSYCHO-PATHS DO BEST....USING THE SYSTEM TO HIS BEHALF. TOGETHER, TONY DUNGY AND COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL HAVE DEMEANED THE PROFESSIONAL ETHICS OF SPORT WITH THEIR SHORT-SIGHTED, NAIVE SUPPORT OF MICHAEL VICK. NOW, IT IS UP TO US TO DECIDE WHETHER WILL WE WILL SUPPORT THEIR POOR DECISION MAKING BY CONTINUING TO SUPPORT THIS DYSFUNCTIONAL SYSTEM [N.F.L.] THAT APPEARS TO SOMEHOW REWARD ABERRANT BEHAVIOR SUCH AS THAT PERPETRATED BY THE LIKES OF VICK.

Just wanted to say a simple THANK YOU for your stand for the animals. It does give me hope that there are those who still put the animals above money. THANK YOU!

I am so proud to be a member of the ASPCA! Your stance and conviction as to Michael Vick is outstanding. The only thing that he is sorry for is that he got caught! I also believe in giving a person a second chance, but, this man does not deserve it by any stretch of the immagination! I will be boycotting the products of the sponsers that are supporting the Eagles and only hope that the rest of the animal lovers in this country will do the same. Again, I am very proud to be associated with the ASPCA.

Thank you ASPCA - well written!

Ed Sayres' never mentioned in his letter if Jeffrey Lurie contacted him for his opinion before signing Vick. I heard Lurie say he spoke with Vick and Tony Dungy, but he never mentioned any animal rights organization. It would have been nice if he would have gotten a broader opinion, rather than just Vick's side.

Glad the ASPCA spoke out. I do not believe in a second chance for Vick, especially as was specified in such an "elite" organizaton. I myself am boycotting the Eagles never dreaming they would sign him.

Michelle Vicky is and always will be a criminal! NFL, The Natioanl Felons League. Nothing short of Life Inprisonment is what he deserved!

why all this talk of michael vick???. it's a waste of time and words. he is a criminal..that's it!. he is no good now, no good then. he is evil incarnate. let's face it.. vick is a gifted athlete who just happens to have no conscience. the feeder systems[ ie, pee wee, junior h.s, h.s.] that rewarded him over the years for his athletic prowess couldn't care less that he has no remorse, no guilt, no scruples. if you doubt what i'm saying ask the dogs that this man killed for his own entertainment. i refuse to let him entertain me when the eagles appear on t.v. as far as i'm concerned, he will screw up again. he is a born loser off the field. case closed. pray for the defenseless dogs he so callously murdered. pray for the knuckleheads that support his rise back into the n.f.l. they are in for an epiphany of their own when vick acts out again due to his need for continual self-indulgence and satisfaction of his narcissistic personality.

It is nice to see an organization that WON'T support this sadistic man and will not bow down for money. With that said, it's time to reach into our pockets and support the ASPCA. Funds are needed to help these animals. Let's put our money where our mouths are!!

As everyone else said, magnificent article! However, I would like to make sure everyone's anger and disappointment are not lost in just posting our opinions or disagreeing with our co-workers. Each and everyone of of us has to actually DO SOMETHING to show that we care. Boycott the Eagles and their sponsors. Protest outside of the stadium and sponsor headquarters... and most of all, spread the word about these protests. I would love to attend every protest I can but I don't follow sports and I don't know where and when these protests will be occurring. Please remember to share such information so compassionate (and sane) people can create a presence. All of this public outcry means NOTHING if people continue to spend money on Eagles games and gear. Have Eagles tickets? Don't use them. Stay home and watch the game so you aren't paying the Eagles for parking, food or beer. Don't buy jerseys or hats. Take down your flags and posters and replace them with a declaration of disgust for Lurie's decision. Loss in profit will speak louder than our voices.

I will never agree with any form of animal cruelty. Yet, I am shocked to see how many people refuse to offer a man that has done such a horrible injustice the opportunity for a second chance. Is this not what the ASPCA and it's suppoters do everyday? We help!!!! We educated. We show compassion for thiose that have been wronged. Do we know pick and choose who deserves second chances and who does not? The courts of the land have spoken and we as Americans have allowed the justice system to handle situations in which we ourselves may not be objective enough tio handle. To hear so many of the kinder, gentler pet lovers in such an all out rage concerns me. God very clearly in the Bible gives man dominion over animals. That does not include the right to kill and torture. I want to make sure you all understand that point. I, in no way condone that behavior. I have to ask the question though, why didn't the irresponsible breeders that sold Vick those dogs suffer in his conviction and why aren't they being looked at as evil and having no morals or conscience? Evil flourishes when good men do nothing and even faster when good men show no forgiveness for what they see as "no remorse". No wonder this country is in so much trouble. The act of forgiveness and the greatest love of all has been denied to a man that fell,admitted failure,has been humbled in the sight of God and man, but yet where God forgives, man in his arrogrance continues to condemn. God help us all when forgivness is no longer a gift that is given. God gave it to us as such and we did not deserve it.I agree fully with another blogger that said that Micheal Vick could further help the cause of recognizing and bringing to an end animal cruelty and use this horrible situation to identify and help to end senseless dog fighting for profit in the United States. Shame on the people that refuse to at least let him try. WHERE IS YOUR HUMANITY AND SECOND CHANCE FORGIVENESS? GOD HELP US ALL!!!!

Thank you Mr Sayres! We are so tired of hearing about all the cowards of the world that choose to hurt animals. Michael Vick should NOT be a role model BUT portrayed as an example to anyone who even thinks about hurting an animal. UNFORTUNATELY, by reinstating him, the NFL gave the green light,(setting a horrific precedent), showing there are no ramifications for breaking laws in their eyes. By allowing Vick back, a great opportunity was lost, to show the world that NO ONE will get away with animal abuse! The blood is not only on Vicks' hands, but on those of the NFL and anyone who enables Vick as well.

Like a breath of fresh air is the only way to describe your article. Thank you so much. Deatiled inforation concerning organized protest rallies will so be posted on Stop Michael Vick. Com. http://www.StopMichaelVick.Com Clickable links to all NFL & Eagle sponsors. Just "click N vent" free bumper sticker: free lessons "How to address ignorant Vick supportors" Eamil questions: Help@StopMichaelVick.com God bless you all.

Thank you ASPCA! Glad to see you rejected the temptation to "sell out" to the NFL, the Eagles, and Michael Vick. As sickened as I am about what Vick has done, I was just as outraged at the HSUS decision to "sell out" and coddle him. My support of the HSUS has subsequently been permanently severed. This just means more support for the organizations like the ASPCA whose principles are not for sale. I encourage all to boycott the NFL, the Eagles, and their sponsors. Money is their God and speaking to them through economics is the only language they will understand. This is how we can continue to live the ASPCA promise, "We Are Their Voice", for the victims of Bad Newz Kennels and others that suffer from dog fighting and animal cruelty. Thank you ASPCA

i will not be supporting the Humane Society since they 'got in bed' with Vick. The man is a monster and since the HS decided to join up with him, it makes it harder to explain how some of us feel. My brother even stated that the HS has forgiven him. Thank you for standing up to him...do not give in!

I WANT Micheal Vick to be right out there in football to remind the world (yes, the world!) each time he is on T.V. and in a football stadium that it takes a sociopath to tear up a dogs body, mind and spirit. To remind EVERYONE that it takes a sociopathic personality to abuse; horridly abuse dogs on a continuum! He is a sick and twisted personality disordered human being. What other things has he done that we dont know about that would prove he needs to be caged for a much longer time than he got. Of course, he needs to be playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Let him be seen as a reminder of how a Sociopathic personality fits in anywhere. And, how the term "hero" is soooo overrated in this country. People watch too much T.V.; football players who earn millions are NOT heros. Has anybody here since my old friends Bobby Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln or any number of young children gone to fight in rich mens corporate wars just because they have this naive belief that our priorities in this country are just as right as they can be? Has anybody been witness to a REAL hero? Football players arent real heros; geez......Micheal Vick is what he is. Dont make him any more than he is. Making millions doesnt make you have better moral upgrades than anyone else. He is a sociopathic man who made it big beating the crap out of other men. I like College football tremendously. But, there isnt one of College football player that I would hold up as a hero just for the sake of the game. How far down the road to nowhere has this country gone? Wonder who those rescued abused dogs would call their heroes; if only they could speak.

Thank you Ed Sayres. We love you for standing up for what is RIGHT.

Thank you for having the courage to speak agianst this horrible situation. Michael Vick as an Eagle, I am Ashamed. He is a rapist and murderer, animal or human there is no difference.

it is clear that Vick is a sociopath. It is equally clear that he has no morals and no remorse. Why would ANYONE think he would represent them in a postitive light? There are plenty of young men that could easily fill his football shoes. Why is it ok for Vick to not only break NFL rules, but also break the law by commiting murder, extortion, gambling...and be reinstated back to making millions!? Apparently, its considered OK and NORMAL to the NFL to commit heinous crimes, then get elevated to role model!? I think not. MICHAEL VICK IS A POOR EXCUSE OF A HUMAN BEING!! THANK YOU ASPCA FOR MAKING A STAND!

look i live in baltimore maryland and this kind of behavior goes on every day with not only dogs but cats to and i believe it is a disgusting thing to do to a animal abd believe they should never ever put micheal vick back in the nfl and should be treated like all the dogs that were kille in this disguing act HIDE YOUR BEAGLE VICKS A EAGLE

What does Michael Vick need to do to convince you that he regrets his actions, and wants to help stop dog fighting in this country? He's working with youth right now giving his own example as what NOT to do. He has paid millions of dollars and spent two years in prison, for what he has done. It's time to welcome him back to the fold.

We loved this letter of honesty and integrity. The moral character of ASPCA shall not be compromised. We love that.

Thank you, ASPCA, for speaking out on behalf of the animals. I wish all animal welfare orgs. would do the same thing. Jacki Hadra - Founder IMOM.org

I am inspired beyond words in this courageous, moral,and honorable letter that you have written Mr. Ed Sayres. Other organizations- be shamed in their cowardice- be shamed in their complacency- be shamed in thier greed. We thank you for speaking from our hearts and so many others, ASPCA- Ed Sayres. You have defended the defenseless and spoken for the voiceless in this powerful message.

THANK YOU, MR. ED SAYRES FOR YOUR WONDERFUL, FACTUAL AND SUCCINCT LETTER IN REFERENCE TO THE LIKES OF MICHAEL VICK. HE IS NOT SORRY FOR ANYTHING HE HAS DONE. HE IS SORRY HE GOT CAUGHT. ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS HIS RE-INSTATEMENT BACK INTO THE N.F.L. I ASK OF YOU...WOULD YOU LET VICK PROVIDE PETSITTING SERVICES FOR YOU?. IF THE ANSWER IS YES, THEN BY ALL MEANS WELCOME VICK BACK INTO THE LOVING EMBRACE OF COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL, TONY DUNGY, ET,AL. BY THE WAY, I WOULDN'T LET VICK WATCH MY CHILD'S STUFFED ANIMAL. VIVA ED SAYRES...GO ASPCA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to make such an appropriate and well spoken statement in behalf of the ASPCA and all animal organizations and people who really care and really want to see an end to such cruelty. Vick is an embarrassment to the team and the city.

Thank you so much for having the guts to support the animals. Most groups are more than willing to forgive, as long as Vick donates money to them. One group (deleted them) wanted me to sign a petition to support Vick if he donted half his salary to them. I thought they really cared and was so disgusted by their greed for money being more important than the animals Vick tortured. This guy is a sicko and always will be. I am so ashamed of the Eagles. I have supported them for 50 years, but never will again with Vick on their team. I will watch their games in hope some animal lover takes Vick down as painfully as he abused those dogs. I am so proud of your stand on this!

Thank you for standing up for the dogs. Someone needs to. It's a sad, sad world when one man's football career is more important than the torturing and killing of these innocent animals.

Thank you for the well written article. It's wonderful to see this organization stand up and speak the truth, while others cower, ignoring any social responsibility.

Thank you ASPCA for speaking for those who can't. The ASPCA and Best Friends have done beautifully supporting the dogs affected by this heinous crime.

Michael Vick is a sociopath - a man without a conscience. He does not know right from wrong and will never know right from wrong - therefore, he will never be rehabilitated. The only thing he is sorry for is getting caught - and the financial loss he has suffered. He cares nothing for the dogs that were made to suffer by his own hand.

Ed, thanks so much for this wonderfully written article! I posted the link on my facebook page. It is important for the public to know just what atrocities this man did to poor defenseless animals in his care! He is a horrible man, and I, too, don't know if he is capable of change. Maybe the public will heed his message just because some look to him as a role model. Some people just don't know the whole truth and don't know any better. Thanks again!

Thank you so much for this follow-up article! I have to agree with you entirely on this matter. Can the public accept that there is truly a problem with people committing such horrible acts? I hope so. Knowing right from wrong has got to be one of the first things we learn as children. I think we all know that such crimes can lead to even more and more advanced crimes of this degree including those done to the human race as well. God help them. And, God help us. Thank you again to ASPCA for standing in and standing up for these less fortunate!

Nicely said!

Ed, thank you for speaking up for the animals. I for one think Vick got off with a light punishment. In spite of what anyone says, what he did to those dogs and what he had done to those dogs will stay with him for the rest of his life.He may not ever admit it, but it's true. He should be made to work with animals forever. I am not as forgiving as some people.For I've seen some of the animals that was abused by Vick.

that was a great article and i bet most of vicks used to be fans dont like him at all

I can only applaud you. Thank you

Thank you Ed and ASPCA for making the decision not to support Vick's insincere efforts to be a voice against animal cruelty. When I heard that HSUS is working with him, I was outraged! While I hope Vick has remorse, he is THE LAST person I want to hear from and the last person that should be a spokesperson for any cause. Just another reason why ASPCA gets every penny I have to donate. Keep up the good work!

ed, thank you so much for writing this open letter. you hit on points that many of us feel and have been voicing since the eagles took on this criminal. to have such a powerful and compelling letter come from a respectable and well-known organization is wonderful. you did not sugar-coat your displeasure with vick, but were still tactful. with the publication of this letter, you have reaffirmed my belief in the aspca and confirmed your status as a TRUE animal rescue organization. there is no doubt - the aspca is in it for the little furry guys. THANK YOU!!

Thank you for standing up for our precious animals. This is a well written letter. I live in Philadelphia and I am disgusted with the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles. Michael Vick only cares about getting himself back onto the field. Only the shallow will be able to cheer for this disgraceful excuse for a man.

Ed, thank you for such a well constructed, honest and incredibly insightful letter. I, as so many of us are, am repulsed to see token gestures from Vick and as an Eagle fan, I am ashamed that my team has brought this person to Philadelphia. Your comments prove what we saw on the CBS interview - a well orchestrated, media relations attempt to show contrition, when as you say, we need to see proof and acts that prove this person is remorseful not for getting caught, but truly remorseful for the heinous acts of brutality he engaged in. I hope that the ASPCA will be getting your letter out to all the news & media outlets that are currently reporting what a wonderful and compassionate move this is by the Eagles. Thank you!

Bobby Buche PLEASE! He got a second chance after the FIRST dog he killed. He wasn't sorry then and he never will be. He got tons of second chances to stop killing. He never took one.

Thank you for reinforcing my feelings and thinking about Vick. As soon as I heard Vick was playing for the Eagles, I decided to boycott the entire NFL season. I want nothing to do with anyone who has anything to do with Vick. Especially those who may give him a 2nd chance financially at starting his "business" all over again.

Beautifully stated! Thank you for staying true to the animals!

Thank you so much for writing this article. Straight to the point and my feelings exactly. Makes me sick to think the NFL would even allow this. As for 60 minutes. I couldn't watch it. I won't put myself through the disgust I feel. I feel sorry for the fans in Phili.. To think this man was making money by killing, torturing animals is sickening. I was a neighbor of Roger Carras.. I can imagine what he is thinking! I thank the ASPCA for all the great work they do and thank then for speaking out..

Thank you!!! This was the most beautifully written letter that I've read on this subject. It was educational, inspiring and truthful. Finally, a major group is taking a stand on this. I just recieved my renewal form for the ASPCA and I will be sending mine in with an extra donation for all the animals you represent. Thank you Ed.

Thank you for your wonderful article and your continuous drive for speaking for those who cannot! My friends and I will be at the NY Jets vs Phil Eagles preseason game with our ASPCA shirts proudly worn instead of our Jets jerseys! Every NFL fan needs to write/email Roger Goodell and express their disgust in allowing Vick to return and to Jeff Lurie expressing the same disgust in signing him.

What an articulate letter. Thank you.

My sentiments exactly. Thank you for publishing this veryy thought provoking letter. I'm tired of trying to articulate how I feel about this situation and defending my feelings. Your words help me to express to fiends and family my position on this sad subject.

Thank you for this great article - I couldn't agree more. I also watched Vick on 60 Minutes, heard him speak about a "mistake" or how he was "misled" - but not an ounce of understanding or remorse for the heinous acts of intentional torture and cruelty towards animals. When he cried in his cell, it was only for his lost fortune. So disappointed in the Philadelphia Eagles for excusing this sociopath by making him an instant millionaire again and holding him up as a role model for kids. What a shame. Many thanks to the ASPCA for your continued leadership in the fight against animal cruelty - keep the pressure on!

What if Michael was your son? Yes you might be ashamed or even want nothing to do with him. Everyone deserves a second chance, yes he makes millions but he is a pro football player. What he did was wrong and he will never be able to escape it. Again I ask what if he were your son?

Thanks for this article. I'm glad someone has decided to speak against this whole pathetic attempt at getting people to feel sorry for Vick and how hard it was for him to go through rehab. Give me a break... What about the dogs that were forced to fight against another dog and as if that isn't bad enough, if they lost they were BEATEN and ELECTROCUTED! Sick. I refuse to support anyone and any organization that has anything to do with Vick and the Eagles. They make me SICK SICK SICK and so incredibly angry. I'm sure a lot of other people out there feel the same way. Big mistake Eagles...

ed, thanks for such a great story. would he be still doing it if he was'nt caught? he is a grown man who knew what he was doing was wrong. his comment on it was a way of life!! he is clueless on the care of any animal let alone any remorse forwhat he did to those dogs. he makes me sick!!

This was a WONDERFUL article, thank you for it! I teared up as I read this because you totally "get it." You get why it's not okay for him to be back in the NFL, you get why second chances need to be really earned first, etc. Thank you for putting into the words what I could not because I am still too mad and hurt to be eloquent.

Wonderful article, and well said! I have always held the belief of you can tell how a person is by how that person treats animals! If he treated those dogs like that how does he treat people?? I believe he was given a light sentence due to his fame and I believe the NFL did a shameful thing by allowing him to re-join. What if he killed a human being? I also believe that it's sometimes really hard to break old habits, and sometimes second chances never work out! Only time will tell.... I believe in the work the ASPCA does and that is why I donate to help those animals who have no voice, so they can be heard!

Ed, thank you so much for taking this stand. I will publish your letter on Pawfun Blog, and on What's Next Blog. On Pawfun, for the dogs and people who love animals; on What's Next for the story of a powerful organization like ASPCA using the Internet to take such an honest approach.

Thank you writing this article and speaking out for all of the animals that can't. Michael Vick should not be alive for the things he has done. He hasn't learned anything and in fact has already stated in a recent article that he couldn't believe that he messed things up for himself at the height of his career...where in that statement does he have any care or even remorse for the animals that were brutally murdered and/or abused and his hand and approval? I have absolutely no respect for him or the Philadelphia Eagles. They should be ashamed to be associated with such a piece of trash.

Thank you so much for taking the time to say what is right and what should have been said to the Ealges and Vick when this all happened! Thank you, I used to sponser the Humane Society, but you guys have my support and my money! Thank you!

This comment, along with your fine work, is exactly why I give $20 a month. Worth every penney. Thank you. I wrote a post about the Humane Society's lack of fortitude in this situation at my blog, Shetler Tails. They went for a quick fix, and ought to have stood shoulder to shoulder with groups like the ASPCA and said "no deal" to Vick being reinstated. There is no doubt the NFL would have had to think twice about reinstating him were it not for the HSUS inserting themselves into the picture. They do a lot of good work, but in this they fell far short of their lofty reputation. Thank you for having a eye on the bigger picture. You guys always remind me of why I give that monthly gift! http://shelter-tails.blogspot.com./

Thank you for taking a stronger stand in this issue and being the voice for those of us who don't think Vick deserves to pick up right where he left off. I was very disappointed in both the ASPCA and the Humane Society for seemingly embracing this monster based on his promise of acting as some kind of spokesperson...when it's quite obvious that he is not truly remorseful for his actions in any way other than how he's personally been adversly affected. He's a long way from redemption and forgiveness and I'm glad you've finally spoken out.

Thank you for speaking out against this man. He may have served his time, but you can bet he's hired publicists to polish his public image. Remorse? Probably not so much. If he really cared, he's spend his time working with anti-cruelty groups and not playing football. So there...

I have to say that I strongly disagree. First, Vick was convicted and served his sentence. It is not possible to know Vick's degree of remose NOW, in comparison to his remorse--or lack of it--in 2007. We all know animal cruelty is commonplace. Rather than self-righteously spurning Vick, it might actually have been helpful to work with him to enlighten other people of his ilk. He has been cruel, he's had fighting dogs--who do you think would have more credibility among dog-fighters, the aspca or Vick? Good opportunity lost to short-sightedness, imo.

I have c/p my letter to Eagles owner but have removed his street address. Thank you ASPCA for have the courage and conviction to state the truth. DONNA F. INTERRANTE, PRESIDENT PURRFECT PAWS RESCUE PO Box 363 Drexl Hill 610 328 2070 purrfectpawsrescue@msn.com August 20, 2009 Mr. Jeffrey Lurie Wynnewood, PA 19096 Dear Mr. Lurie: As a Founder/CEO of a local non-profit animal rescue and loyal Eagles fan, it is my hope that you will help me understand your decision in signing Michael Vick. I have listened to and read what you and the coaches and players have said over the past several days and now I hope you will allow me to share my thoughts and feelings. Naturally, I have some questions and it is my hope that you will take a few moments to read what I have written. I am especially puzzled by an interview you gave in August of 2007 where you were quoted as having said that you would "never" allow someone who was involved in dog fighting to play for the Eagles. Unfortunately, it seems "Never"-Land came to Philadelphia on Thursday. Allow me to quote you: "We're very disciplined in what we stand for," you told reporters just over two years ago (via MDS of FanHouse ). "Let me give you an example -- a few years ago we had a couple players who were . . . to put this nicely, not very respectful of their dogs. . . . Well, we don't respect that. We don't do that. And they were gone from the team almost immediately if not immediately. That sets a tone, that these kinds of attitudes are unacceptable." "Individual teams have to be diligent in the way they mold (players) who are 22, 23 years old in a positive way," Lurie said. "It's not foolproof. But that gives you a chance to avoid any (incidents later on)." I certainly remember former players Damon Moore and Thomas Hamner who were both charged with animal cruelty in 2001 and subsequently cut. It was a responsible, ethical decision made by your organization that sent a message. The Eagles were a cut above. Zero tolerance policy and your organization was respected for it. Thankfully there were no second chances for Moore and Hamner, why Vick? Mr. Lurie, do you know how to electrocute a dog? I don't. Have you recently purchased a piece of property exclusively for your “dog hobby” ? Most of us have not. I heard you say in a media interview that you were an “extreme” dog lover. Have you ever shoved electrical wires up into your dog’s anus because that dog just didn’t do what was expected of him or her? If you were to breed your dog, would you forcibly strap the female into a rape stand ( one of the many torture toys used by the Michael Vicks of the dog-fighting world) ? Would you toss your own pets into the dog fighting ring just for “fun”, like Michael Vick did? I know the answers to these questions are no. Not because you love dogs, but because, you , like many human beings in our society have all the proper components essential to humanity, those qualities that separate us from beasts. Not everyone likes animals but most humans would never consciously inflict harm on them because all of the connections within our human wiring do not permit us to cross the line into savagery . There is more proven documentation written regarding the distinct nexus between animal abuse and escalating human violence than I can comment on here. Many FBI profiling manuals are the result of detailed scientific investigation into criminal minds and not surprisingly the common dominator is animal abuse. Michael Vick served his time under due process of the law. He could serve another 50 fifty years, be a model prisoner, say all the right things to “show” the remorse necessary to qualify him for release and still return to society as deranged and twisted as the day of his mug shot shooting. All the prison time in the world cannot correct the broken wiring, the lack of essential humanness or eradicate the sociopath streak that enables animal abusers to commit their atrocities. Does he deserve a second chance? All ex-convicts do when they are released. The fundamental basis of our prison systems is to “rehabilitate” the offenders so they can become productive members of society. Recidivism rates tend to disprove this but that is the theory on paper. As an ex-convict, Michael Vick cannot vote or serve in our military, but he can make 1.6 million dollars this year playing a sport?? How many ex-convicts just pick up where they left off? Not many and all of us know that. I wonder what Michael Vick’s co-defendants, Purnell Peace, Quanis Phillips and Tony Taylor are earning these days? Michael Vick can read, write, speak, and is able bodied enough to find another line of work and prove himself worthy of his release. Why not work for the Humane Society of The United States as their spokesperson? He may not make a million dollars but I am sure he would be able to garner a decent wage. Plain and simple, Michael Vick failed. He failed as a person and a sportsman. By his own admission he was no student of the game …the last to practice the first to leave. He failed as a human being. Most importantly he failed as a role mode. Did you watch the news clip with young kids at Papa’s Playground in West Philadelphia over the weekend? They think of him as a shining example of all they want to be. That is pathetically tragic and sad. Michael Vick had everything: “the life”, “the image”, “the endorsements”, and “the adoring fans”. He literally had the world at his feet, an opportunity few of us, if any are privileged to know. He had a gift of talent, good enough to earn him a $100 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Falcons. Indeed, he was a heady sports superstar. What he never had or ever will is compassion as a human being and a soul. All he had wasn’t good enough. He lacks the “wiring” to be aware of that. He was compelled to cross the line and engage in aberrant behavior for self satisfaction. That sheer pleasure drawn from torture and killing of animals brought him what he needed. At the time of the allegations in 2007 his own father was quoted in the Atlanta Journal Constitution regarding his dog fighting operation as follows: “I wish people would stop sugarcoating it. This is Mike’s thing. He likes it, and he has the capital to have a setup like that.” There is nothing sporting, amusing or acceptable in any of what he did. He certainly did not need the money. If his addiction or need was gambling, there was Vegas. If his addiction was drugs, he had enough money to blow enough lines up his nose until his heart exploded. Was he addicted to the limelight? He could have taken a page out Terrell Owens’ book for that. No, Michael Vick’s addiction is sadistic and sociopath in nature and no matter how much you think your actions are redemptory in nature, sadly, Mr. Lurie, you are in way over your head this time. It is a deep character flaw that cannot be undone. The dogs that suffered at Michael Vick’s hands had no ability to save themselves. They couldn't call their assistants to bring the limo around when they wanted to go home. They didn't have the ability to call a time-out and regroup. They had to fight until they were dead, or so bloody and injured that they prayed for death. T.O. may have divided a locker room by his immaturity, but sadly, Michael Vick has torn apart a city and alienated the animal advocacy community and loyal fans throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond. Is this surprising to me? Absolutely not. The Philadelphia Eagles are not exactly crusaders in the world of animal advocacy. For five years we have repeatedly begged for a small item, a picture, a ball, anything for our Silent Auction, and only once did we receive a photo. Our rescue always featured Eagle’s items, though we purchased them, at every event alongside those donated by the Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers organization. You see, Mr. Lurie, while Michael Vick collects his 1.6 million dollar paycheck this year, PurrFect Paws Rescue, struggles with a bank account of under $20 thousand and hundreds of abandoned and abused animals in need of veterinary care and shelter. The likes of Michael Vick keep us busy with torn up hearts, empty pockets and desperate pleas to find just one more spare room to fit the next shot up, tossed from a car, beaten, abused and abandoned animal in. We sleep at night because we know what we do for our communities is the right thing, a moral and ethical undertaking. We are the ones that cry as we hold the animals that are beyond repair when we HUMANELY end their suffering. And you know what, not myself or any other volunteer gets one red cent for this work while Michael Vick collects his million dollar paycheck. Nothing can ever erase the heinous acts of Michael Vick and probably nothing can be done to change such a God-awful decision to have him stay here. He is now part of the landscape of Philadelphia, a city rank with dog fighting operations and animal cruelty beyond expectations. A city where Animal Precinct cops are out every day cleaning up the dog-fighting rings and where Michael Vick “plays” a game that earns him a million plus. It is rather ironic. The Eagles organization at one time held their players and personnel to a higher “moral” standard. No bad conduct, no trash talking, no second chances. The bottom line in this Sport is money but I am really having a difficult time understanding the risk/reward ratio here. It is clear that the organization and corporate sponsors are willing to sacrifice respectability and responsibility in the name of profitability. On the same hand we can all do our part by boycotting your sponsors, merchandise, games and anything associated with The Philadelphia Eagles until Michael Vick no longer wears the uniform. I was a season ticket holder for 22 years and I truly regret having given them up a few years ago for it would have given me an inordinate amount of satisfaction to do so now. It will break my heart to forsake this team, but I will never watch or listen to another Eagles broadcast. It is the least I owe to Vick’s dogs. Our organization has put out a statement to our members and supporters condemning Vick’s signing and has embarked on a campaign to contact every corporate sponsor via mail, fax and phone to peacefully exercise our right to protest. . We will rally with other rescues far and wide as was done in 2007 and fulfill our obligation to be the voice of every abused animal silenced at the bloodied hands of the Michael Vicks of the world. At the end of the day, Mr. Lurie, Michael Vick’s dogs never had the chance to play again, why should he? Sincerely, Donna F. Interrante, President PurrFect Paws Rescue Enc. Cc: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell 280 Park Avenue New York, NY 10017

Congratulations to ASPCA for standing up against Vick's transparent public relations charade. Shame on HSUS for selling out. We all need to continue to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Thank you for stepping up to the plate and speaking out. The Vick/Eagles story is one that must not be ignored by our Animal Welfare Organizations. If ever a story to go all the way with it's the Philadelphia Eagles/Vick story. So, I thank you for speaking loudly on this issue. My hope is that the Vick story will help unite people in a way that no other animal welfare story has done in History.

Well done! I am with you all 100%.