It’s Confirmed: Michael Vick Has a New Dog

Friday, October 12, 2012 - 5:45pm

It’s confirmed: Michael Vick has a new dog. To truly become a model of the type of behavior Vick wishes to teach his children—that animals deserve to be treated with compassion and respect—Vick should take the opportunity to “break the cycle” and “be an instrument of positive change” by expressing remorse about the dogs he brutalized and killed with his own hands. This is something that we’ve never heard him do publically.

Because of this, we have serious concerns about Vick’s ability to be a responsible pet owner. We can only hope that he will set the right example for his children by teaching them to foster humane habits and a lifelong bond with their family pet. 

What’s your opinion?

Tags: 
Animal Cruelty

Comments

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 11:55 — debbie simpson (Visitor)
Why cant your justice system take heed of the uk's system? here, nearly all people accused of animal abuse are banned from keeping ANY ANIMAL FOR LIFEEEEEEE. it dont matter who they are and certainly someone like Vick's would defo be one of them people. DO THE SAME FOR THE SAKE OF THE ANIMALS your forgetting some of them dogs he tortured where also so called family pets fgs. xxxxxxxxx

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 09:39 — Cheryl (Visitor)
Anyone who has anything to do with dogfighting has absolutely NO COMPASSION for Animals! You don't get compassion by doing your time! You either have it or you don't! He apologized and expressed his remorse to the public. What else was he going to do! Where was your remorse when these dogs were tearing each other apart! A man like this should never be allowed to have another pet! Having a pet is a privilage he does not deserve!

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 17:23 — Tru Bruchez (Visitor)
I have to say, I am really underwhelmed when people say that Vick paid his debt to society. Does anyone really think a football hero is going to have a difficult time in any jail in America? I bet from guards to inmates - it just wasn't that bad. Secondly - if you think that a man who had all the natural gifts - handsome, talented, healthy and, then got more money and adoration anyone could hope for in 10 lifetimes, decided that what he wanted to do was fight, brutalize and personally kill dogs - pit bulls which are substantial, strong and loving and smart enough to be frightened out of their wits --- did you see how those dogs acted who do you actually think that is something any normal person would do? I think there is actually something seriously wrong with him.

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 17:29 — Tru Bruchez (Visitor)
I was going to say, did you see how the Vick dogs acted - completely cowed and broken. I have had a couple of pits. and I know quite a few For someone to break the spirit of a pit who are such clown-ing, loving, high-energy dogs - that must have been cruelty beyond belief. And that's what Vick chose to do when he was riding high. Can you imagine when he is on the inevitable downward spiral of an athlete?

Sun, 10/14/2012 - 09:37 — Theresa (Visitor)
I'm sorry, but people like Vick are wired wrong when they can torture, mutilate and kill animals the way he did. I can't believe it wasn't written into his court papers that he could never own animals again. So now we sit back and pray he has gained the compassion gene for the sake of this animal.

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 19:01 — BA Miller (Visitor)
Given the circumstances that Michael Vick chose to knowingly and participated in the horrific conditions and treatment of many animals some years ago, I have stopped supported the Philadelphia Eagles. He may have paid his debt to society by a lessor sentence and fine, nonetheless, I am disapppointed in the judical system for allowing this monster to own any type of animal; especially a dog. He not only participated in their tortoreous lives but broke the law, running a drug and dog cartel from one of his homes in Virginia. This monster should not be able to own or be around any domestic animal!!!!! Ever, whether or not he paid his "debt to society".....ask the dogs that and then take a read at the book," The Vick Dogs!" Bad News Kennels. Vick is just bad news!

Tue, 10/16/2012 - 19:01 — BA Miller (Visitor)
Given the circumstances that Michael Vick chose to knowingly and participated in the horrific conditions and treatment of many animals some years ago, I have stopped supported the Philadelphia Eagles. He may have paid his debt to society by a lessor sentence and fine, nonetheless, I am disapppointed in the judical system for allowing this monster to own any type of animal; especially a dog. He not only participated in their tortoreous lives but broke the law, running a drug and dog cartel from one of his homes in Virginia. This monster should not be able to own or be around any domestic animal!!!!! Ever, whether or not he paid his "debt to society".....ask the dogs that and then take a read at the book," The Vick Dogs!" Bad News Kennels. Vick is just bad news!

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 19:34 — paula (Visitor)
if you did your research you would know that abusers cannot be cured. only one in all history has not repeated abuse and admitted he still has the urge to. This is abuse of kids. and everyone knows that animal abuse is exactly the same and they cannot be cured. that urge of hurt an innocent thing whether it animal or kid does not go away. it is iside their evil mind and body. they do not and cannot feel empathy for anything or anybody. if you trult believe this put your child with an abuser who did their time. or research first.

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 03:16 — Mya (Visitor)
Wow probably the lamest comment I ever seen... Unless you have facts and proves he has changed his life around , then you shouldn't be defending someone so cruel! Remember, the victims don't get another chance, so why should he?

Sat, 10/27/2012 - 03:16 — Mya (Visitor)
Wow probably the lamest comment I ever seen... Unless you have facts and proves he has changed his life around , then you shouldn't be defending someone so cruel! Remember, the victims don't get another chance, so why should he?

Sat, 11/10/2012 - 19:29 — Rosemary Lowe (Visitor)
I applaud the ASPCA for taking the right, moral stand on the serious, brutal crimes Vick committed against helpless animals. I find it disturbing that some people who other care about animals would not understand the nature of what Vick did: He systematically, in a pre-meditated manner, financed, organized, and conducted brutal dog-fighting operations for Several Years. This not only included actual horrendeous dog fights, but he even used his "own family dogs" in such fights, with evidence at his trial that he "enjoyed watching his family dogs in fights. The puppies born to breeding females (he used rape stands to force breeding), were used as "bait dogs" if they were deemed to not be good fighters. Bait animals are used in these operations, and can include puppies, kittens, rabbits, & other innocent animals. This "man" was NEVER sorry for what he did to the animals. He often was quoted as saying "I made mistakes", or "I showed poor judgement." That is not remorse. That is not being sorry. Sociopaths like Vick are the ultimate manipulators. They get what they want, from people or animals, and care nothing about their victims. The American Psychological Association and psychiatric bodies define Sociopaths as having "no conscience." One of the major "markers" for sociopathy is a pattern of cruelty to animals. Almost all serial killers, such as Ted Bundy killed and tortured animals. Please, make no mistake about Michael Vick. He will continue his pattern of behavior because he needs that power, and he will torture, abuse and kill again. Let us stop making such excuses for these very, very dangerous people in or society.

Sat, 11/10/2012 - 19:29 — Rosemary Lowe (Visitor)
I applaud the ASPCA for taking the right, moral stand on the serious, brutal crimes Vick committed against helpless animals. I find it disturbing that some people who other care about animals would not understand the nature of what Vick did: He systematically, in a pre-meditated manner, financed, organized, and conducted brutal dog-fighting operations for Several Years. This not only included actual horrendeous dog fights, but he even used his "own family dogs" in such fights, with evidence at his trial that he "enjoyed watching his family dogs in fights. The puppies born to breeding females (he used rape stands to force breeding), were used as "bait dogs" if they were deemed to not be good fighters. Bait animals are used in these operations, and can include puppies, kittens, rabbits, & other innocent animals. This "man" was NEVER sorry for what he did to the animals. He often was quoted as saying "I made mistakes", or "I showed poor judgement." That is not remorse. That is not being sorry. Sociopaths like Vick are the ultimate manipulators. They get what they want, from people or animals, and care nothing about their victims. The American Psychological Association and psychiatric bodies define Sociopaths as having "no conscience." One of the major "markers" for sociopathy is a pattern of cruelty to animals. Almost all serial killers, such as Ted Bundy killed and tortured animals. Please, make no mistake about Michael Vick. He will continue his pattern of behavior because he needs that power, and he will torture, abuse and kill again. Let us stop making such excuses for these very, very dangerous people in or society.

Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:01 — TraceyM (Visitor)
Vick never had a debt to society. Spending time in jail does not make someone a better person. He obviously lacks basic human capacity for compassion and empathy toward others. People like Vick, who purposely cause pain to others, don't get better, nicer or more aware of right and wrong. There is no cure for psychopaths. Saying sorry is nothing. THERE IS NO CURE FOR PSYCHOPATHS.

Tue, 03/12/2013 - 17:36 — GF (Visitor)
REALLY!?!? The consequence of him brutalizing and torturing sweet members of creation is that he acknowledges his crime by NOT owning a dog ever, or any pet for that matter. He needs to be repentant by accepting the consequences of not owning a pet for his actions of watching torture and participating himself in certain actions. He possibly deserves to go on with his life, which should include NOT owning a pet. And yes, I do think he would jeopordize a second change....human nature.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 20:00 — Christopher Nash (Visitor)
I have to agree with the above commentor. Vick did wrong. But our legal system, as imperfect as it is, determined a punishment for his crimes and that punishment was met by our legal standards. We humans only live once. I know animals only live once as well, but my point is, by legal standards, which is largely what our civilized society is based, he paid for his crimes so-to-speak and it does appear, to me at least, that he has matured from the experience. Being a public figure of course makes him an easy target and I completely understand the concern for any animal in his care. That being said, I do believe he has earned his 'second' chance at life, if you will, which to me means NOT being guilty of anything before anything might happen.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:47 — Ellen (Visitor)
Michael Vick IS having his second chance;I don't know what that means that he should be allowed to have a dog. That dog may not have a second chance and, along the way, he may have a horrible life. People don't have to have dog fights for their cruelty to shine through anyway. We see horribly abused or neglected pets all the time....it's not a big deal for MV but a terribly big deal for the dog.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 22:47 — Julie (Visitor)
I don't think people are arguing this is a legal issue. It's an ethical one. And, again, if you are convicted of running a child sex ring or abusing children, you shouldn't be allowed to adopt a child. I think when people stand up for Michael Vick, they don't understand how truly sickening this type of violence and abuse is. Michael Vick has a second chance at life by not being in prison. That doesn't mean he should get a second chance at dog ownership.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 20:05 — Summer (Visitor)
This is ridiculous in my opinion. How do we actually know Vick has "turned his life around substantially", as the poster above mentioned. Do we live with this "man"? NO. People want to believe he has because he's a good athlete. BIG DEAL. There isn't sufficient justice for animal abusers at all. By Vick acquiring a new dog proves that. In my opinion this seems like a disgusting publicity stunt. I think people forget the magnitude of damage this person has done. It is so sad what our society values

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:41 — Jeremah H (Visitor)
From what I heard he has spoken to children in inner city schools concerning the cruelty of dog fighting. I don't know if he has changed his life or not I pray for his and his dogs sake that he has.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:48 — Jen (Visitor)
I agree with the above poster. We do not know that VIck turned his life around. I dont undrestand how people can be so sure of this. Any dog lovers I know would NEVER do anything like what Vick did. How can you watch something you love get torn to pieces in a ring both physically and emotionally. I personally don't think this lack of empathy can be turned around in jail. People would not be so quick to let a child abuser adopt a child, and in their case, they may be able to turn around from therapy and anger management, because child and spousal abuse often stems from one's own emotional issues. IN Vick's case, his crime did not stem from issues he needed to deal with, but rather a lack of compassion and empathy.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 22:07 — Kim (Visitor)
If you think for one second this killer should be allowed to own an animal, than you are STUPID! He IS a killer, and as far as I'm concerned owning a dog is a privilege and HE LOST IT!! As far as who commented on the fact that he "came from a different culture" I may ask them in that culture if everyone kills dogs? Hmmmm, something to think about? By the way to the other person who replied that he's a good athlete? Really what does that have to do with anything? By the way, he's really not!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:40 — Winter (Visitor)
And we can all thank HSUS for helping him... That jerk should never have been allowed to ever have an animal again!!! Not even a mouse or a parakeet! He has shown no remorse, no care for what he has done, and everyone knows he did not have any feelings about the animals he killed!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:46 — Tori Hatton (Visitor)
Exactly.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:58 — Ciera (Visitor)
They might as well! I don't give two craps if he did his time or not. He still MURDERED dogs. Obviously people who side with him are just as heartless as he is. That dog should be taken away and given to someone with no history of murdering dogs.

Sat, 11/10/2012 - 19:36 — Rosemary Lowe (Visitor)
Absolutely correct! It is too bad that there are apologists for the Monster Vick. He has a pattern of sociopathic behavior and he will kill and torture againl.

Sat, 10/13/2012 - 10:13 — Holly Strope an... (Visitor)
I am worried about the dog. I am afraid for it's life. What happens if it is abused by him, his friends, or kids? I don't want a dog used as a sacrifice for some football player who can not accept himself as doing anything horrendous as murder and torture to an animal, because he can't get around his own damaged ego. He is a murderer, and the dog may just be the start of a new dog fight ring. I hope to God people will be watching this charade really carefully, for the sake of the innocent, which are kids and the dog.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:41 — Dave Perry (Visitor)
Wow. Great logic, folks. Would you let sandusky get a new kid when he gets out? Some debts are never paid.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:50 — Jody (Visitor)
Right on, brother.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:41 — beth (Visitor)
If his victims had been human or if he was predator of humans like he was of dogs, he would never be allowed dogs again. Why do dogs count less as beings than humans do. Gandhi: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated. I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:42 — Melissa (Visitor)
So....when a child molester says he's sorry & he's changed his ways, do we just let him start hanging around kids again...& go ahead & let him move in across the street from a school too. He said he's sorry, so I'm sure it's fine!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:42 — tiffiny (Visitor)
Amazes me the uninformed people that say he did his time.. know the facts before speaking. Vick did no time at all for the abuse and suffering he put innocent animals through.. learn the facts.. read the court transcripts..

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:42 — Kim (Visitor)
I think he was man enough or mature enough to want to set an example, he would take his kids to volunteer at a shelter and help them learn how to respect and love animals that way. Then he should explain how his decisions ruined his ability to own a dog. Cruelty charges shouldn't have a time frame. If he abused his children-would the government allow him to foster or adopt children? I don't think so.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:42 — Mrs Carolyn Moon (Visitor)
We would not let him adopt a child after such behavior, I don't see why we should let him adopt a dog. Keep a close eye on him.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:42 — Ellen (Visitor)
Michael Vick may have paid his debt to society but the kind of cruelty he showed is a sign of who he really is. I hate to think of him as a dog owner or a parent. Time will tell but I feel badly for anyone under his power. Money talks, doesn't it?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:44 — josephine (Visitor)
what he did, he did as a grown man and not as a child who knew no better. He did that with full knowledge and would still have been doing it if not caught.He's trying get back to that place he once was with the public. Just because he won't be dog fighting does not mean he will be loving and caring towards his new dog. Poor dog will never know love.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:47 — susie (Visitor)
who's even to say he won't fight this dog!? once a monster, always a monster!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:45 — Tori Hatton (Visitor)
"Paid his debt"? Um, no. Just because his served his court-ordered sentence, does not mean that he is rehabilitated. Even if never runs dog-fighting again, he should not be anywhere near animals. He doesn't deserve a second chance. The dogs he killed didn't get a second chance.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:45 — Cindy A Perez (Visitor)
IMO he has violated the terms of his parole and should be locked up again! He enjoyed the brutalizing, abuse and killing of those dogs far too much to ever truly be rehabilitated. He did it out of greed even though he was making millions playing football. Vick having another dog is tantamount to a child molester being put in charge of more children!!!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:45 — Tiffany (Visitor)
LORD have mercy on that dog! I find this unacceptable and inexcusable..

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:46 — Sapphire (Visitor)
When it comes to abuse, especially in cases of dog fighting, there should be no second chances. Yea, he did his time in prison and hopefully learned some lessons, but he should not EVER be allowed to have a pet of any kind.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:46 — Shana (Visitor)
I don't think that waste of human being should be responsible for any living thing. He saw how the NFL took him back and i personally feel that he didn't learn, anything from the past. How can you physically kill multiple dogs then go get one as a pet . Seriously he should never be allowed to own anther, animal for as long as he lives. Owning an animal, should ALWAYS be considered a privilege not a right.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:46 — Kyle Reynolds (Visitor)
He recently openly admitted that he thought he could lie his way through the entire trial, which to me, means he fully well knew what was going on and participating in these activities. To only be banned from having a dog while on probation is like telling a child you can't have any candy until you finish your chores. Is there a lesson learned here? NOT AT ALL. He allowed and participated in the killings of HUNDREDS of dogs...so allowing him to get another one makes sense how?

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:47 — Jim Scoggins (Visitor)
As a dog lover that has adopted numerous shelter and ASPCA dogs, yes, I still detest Michael Vick because I know how badly so many dogs suffered. Many more than you will ever know and so many kids mimicked his behavior. However, I want to believe that this dog will not be mistreated and that his kids will learn to love dogs rather than torture and see them suffer for pleasure like their dad did for years. Not many felons get 100 million dollar jobs after prison.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:47 — Paige (Visitor)
Michael Vic should not be allowed to be a parent to a pet. Yes he did the time but the question is if he would have murdered a child he certainly would not be able to adopt a child. And before you say it's not the same, ask any true animal lover, if their animals are their babies. Michael Vick is pathetic. I'll keep my fingers crossd for his new pet.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:47 — Lisa (Visitor)
Are you people serious? Have you ever seen the results of dog fighting? Of bait dogs either? I suggest you research that, spend time with a dog that was left to die after fighting or being bait...their poor souls will never heal completely, its so traumatic, IF they live at all. So before you say hes "rehabilitated and should be forgiven," maybe you should think that to have been responsible for the dog fighting and condition of his dogs when he was caught, its obvious hes missing a humanity chip. Anyone who could treat his dogs like he did without a conscience doesnt need rehab....he needs to be restricted from ever having another animal. EVER.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 22:35 — Jannon (Visitor)
I totally agree he's missing a humanity chip! I don't think this man should EVER be allowed to own another dog of any kind. He could get a tiny toy something or other, it doesn't matter. He's a felon, for dog fighting! I agree with that someone who posted that not all felons come out of prison making as much paper as he does. . I was stunned the NFL took him back, he's not even that great of a ball player! But like someone else said, what does that have to do with any of this. It doesn't. He has a cruel soul to be able to do what he did to all those dogs. He didn't need the money, bless greed is another lovely trait he has. I didn't think he should of been allowed to play FB again, and I certainly don't agree with him owning another dog in his lifetime. Those dogs didn't get a second chance, again I'm quoting someone else, so why should this creep get one. Give that dog to a better home because I'm afraid for the poor thing already.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 22:35 — Jannon (Visitor)
I totally agree he's missing a humanity chip! I don't think this man should EVER be allowed to own another dog of any kind. He could get a tiny toy something or other, it doesn't matter. He's a felon, for dog fighting! I agree with that someone who posted that not all felons come out of prison making as much paper as he does. . I was stunned the NFL took him back, he's not even that great of a ball player! But like someone else said, what does that have to do with any of this. It doesn't. He has a cruel soul to be able to do what he did to all those dogs. He didn't need the money, bless greed is another lovely trait he has. I didn't think he should of been allowed to play FB again, and I certainly don't agree with him owning another dog in his lifetime. Those dogs didn't get a second chance, again I'm quoting someone else, so why should this creep get one. Give that dog to a better home because I'm afraid for the poor thing already.

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:48 — PurdueMOM (Visitor)
Where did he get the dog!? That's the problem! NO one should have given, sold, let him adopt or even get near another dog. I'm sorry, but abusers do NOT change. The first time he gets angry will this dog be safe? He might have paid his "debt" for when he got caught that doesn't mean he should be given the chance to do it again! It should have been part of his sentence that he never be allowed to "own" another pet of any kind!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:49 — Lauren (Visitor)
Amen!

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 21:48 — Lauren (Visitor)
I agree that people are going to try to give Vick the benefit of the doubt simply because he is an athlete which angers me to my core. I have such a strong passion for all animals, domesticated and wildlife. And I believe stronger than anything else that animals deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, and in the case of pets, LOVE. I despise people who abuse innocent animals. To me it is like child abuse. Would people forgive him if he abused a child? Probably not. My dogs are my children and I could not imagine ever hurting them or endangering their lives. Just because he's an athlete, and has "said he's sorry" does not mean he's changed. People in the public eye have to make those statements to keep their reputation out of the trash. Think about if he hadn't gotten punished or even caught for this, do you think he'd be sorry? I personally do not trust it. But everyone has a right to think positively about whomever they deem worthy of forgiveness. I just simply cannot condone behavior that if you know you'll have to apologize for later, perhaps you simply shouldn't have endured it in the first place.

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