I hope that the NFL never let him back in. It would take an enormous act of contrition on Vick's part for me to stomach his return to the game. Would this psychological evaluation provide sufficient proof of a genuine remorse that would satisfy those of us that love animals? I remain to be convinced.

Posted by: Andy Bass | May 20, 2009 11:23 AM

There are teams waiting to sign him. And for everything that he may ammount to in the future, this will always be what he is known for. I'm not a huge PETA supporter but you don't need to be to see how horrific a crime was committed here. I'm glad he didn't get away with a "thousand dollar fine per dog" or something. He served time for this, lost a out on what could have be distinguished career and MILLIONS of DOLLARS. I hope that his story warns the others out there who host, participate or support dogfights that this won't be tolerated and the law will get you.

Posted by: Johanna | May 20, 2009 11:30 AM

I dont think he should be able to play NFL again. They let him back in there giving a role model to young kids that think its ok to do these horrible things to dogs. and I heard on CNN that he will be working for a animal human society. which i think is So stupid. why would they want a person like that working with abused animals. i think he should be tortured the same way his dogs were.

Posted by: alyssa | May 20, 2009 12:15 PM

I think there are more important issues going on in the world than fighting pitbulls

Posted by: Taross Thomas | May 20, 2009 12:15 PM

I think that he should be put to death. Dogs are creatures like us so they should hold the same standards... oh wait no they shouldn't. Technically if you purchase a dog isn't it your property to beat.

Posted by: Jim Mitchell | May 20, 2009 12:34 PM

Taross Thomas,
There is a host of things that you could prioritize as more or less important...but you're really missing the whole point: it's not about prioritizing importance of things in this world. It's about condemming what's wrong in the case of MIchael Vick: that it's not okay to take living creatures of this earth and torture and kill them so flippantly. You are very flippant yourself with your own comments, and I question why you'd even be on this site b/c it's quite obvious you do not value all life and respect for it.
There is a whole host of issues with a human who would be violent towards animals. For sake of time, I won't even go into it b/c if you dont' get it, you won't get it with one posting I make.

But let me bring this analogy on and maybe it will shine a light to how obtuse your comment is: If your own family member got killed by a rapist or murderer, you wouldn't care if there was an Iraq war or Recession or a whole genocide happening: you'd care that your loved one was killed. And still- someone could come along and state that it's okay b/c there are bigger problems in this world to fry than just one human such as your family member getting killed. Cuz essentially, there ARE more important things than that, right? --and yet, that woudln't be the point, would it?

You are profoundly lost, misinformed and lacking in your thoughts.

Posted by: J.O. | May 20, 2009 12:44 PM

I predict this piece of garbage will be back in prison w/in a year -- probably fail a drug test or take up with other dog fighters aka his friends/family.

I truly hope that PETA does NOT, under any circumstances, attempt to "work" with this psychopath. He is a sadist and thoroughly enjoys inflicting as much harm as possible upon innocent animals and, no doubt, people.

As for the HSUS, I think the press coverage is jumping the gun. I don't believe the HSUS has offered to team up with this POS. Again, I pray that PETA drops that notion, as well. Just keep an eye on him. Don't call for medical tests and such.

If he gets picked up by an NFL team, I can only imagine the sh*tstorm that will follow. It will be worst than the last time.

Posted by: Barbara | May 20, 2009 12:48 PM

PETA members if you only knew how difficult it is for people who are felons to get a job. Yes they did crime. There is more awareness than ever before about cruelty to animals. Let the man move on with his life.

Posted by: Greg Smith | May 20, 2009 01:02 PM

Michael Vick is a sick heartless indivisual. He needs serious help and deserved his prison time. Dont hurt poor helpless puppies. PETA rocks!!

Posted by: Keith | May 20, 2009 01:21 PM

There is no more important isssue than cruelty to sentient beings. If he'll abuse dogs, he will abuse children. So, that isn't important to you?

Posted by: nan mcclain | May 20, 2009 01:22 PM

are you guys serious? of course he deserves to play. what he did was wrong but he served the time and he should be able to return to his trade or craft. rapist, molestors, and catholic preist all do much more horrific crimes and return to their trade when released. a man can rape my 12 year old daughter and get out in a year and return to whatever trade or craft they did before.and no one protest no one tries to keep them down and hope they are just banished from the earth. but vick is so awful for a crime with some dogs.i think everyone needs to revert back to their bibles and understand that you can judge him only god can , if he has served the time and has his soul right with god leave him alone

Posted by: corey gregory | May 20, 2009 01:27 PM

I would like to see Michael Vick get a chance to resume his NFL career, or whatever career he wants, and would like to see the endless Peta drumbeat deeming Michael Vick as "public emnemy #1" end. First of all, Michael Vick was involved in a terrible thing. I have grown up with pets in some capacity my whole life, and the horror he subjected these pets to is unacceptable to say the least. His actions go down as some of the cruelest towards animals on record. I acknowledge that. However, Michael Vick paid a price for that. He did prison time determined by our court of law, and every aspect of his lofty status as a entertainer in our society has ended as it stands today. Until he potentially resumes some level of a football career, he is just an ex-con.

We make the mistake of calling Michael Vick a role model. That is where we err in judgement. Michael Vick is a football player. Your Mom and Dad are role models. Never forget that. I think Charles Barkley said it best in the early 1990's commercial for Nike. Until we get away from the approach that just because an individual can run a 4.4 40, dunk a basketball, makes a million dollar salary, or achieves fame and fortune in a manner most of us cannot, they are somehow "role models". So this argument out there that Vick is a role model and should be held to a higher stadard just shows how desperate we are as a society to live vicariously attached to someone famous, and when that person dissapoints we take it personally.

America is a forgiving nation. If a person commits a crime, in due time, we are forgiving of them. There are people who have killed, raped, defrauded others. But that get second chances in some form of another. If Michael Vick was not a public figure, we would not even be discussing this. Case in point is that no one is protesting his co-conspitators getting a job at the local grocery store. It is only because "interest groups" like like Peta are playing the opportunist card and instead of finding a new issue, they choose to beat a dead horse (how ironic).

Having Micheal Vick undergo psych tests and blah, blah, blah is never going to prove anything. Most tests such as these aren't even admissable in a court of law. Only Micheal Vicks actions going forward will tell how he feels. If he exhibits the same behavior, I will be the first one to say to revoke his probation. However, if we never hear from him regarding any animal abuse, this case needs to be closed and it is time to move on.

If Peta were smart, they would work in concert with Vick and try to understand the culture of dogfighting so a targeted effort can begin to end that culture. Just the other week, a huge ring was broken up in Detriot. Until the culture is understood and infiltrated, any attempts to end this culture will be useless and Peta will still be living off the glory of ending one mans football career, nothing more.

Peta, I know your organization is better than one that grabs headlines. Do some real work and eradicate the root instead of piling on one man.

Posted by: Butchie | May 20, 2009 01:28 PM

PETA, while your prescence was felt early on, the constant bombardment of a man who lost millions of dollars and his freedom is starting to make you guys look like the bad guy. A recent ESPN poll with over 500,000 participants showed that over 75% of America would like to give Vick another chance.

Here is a novel idea: quit trying to be so radical when it comes to this, let Vick be a spokesman or something, and use him as an example of what can happen. If this continued onslaught of dragging his name through the mud continues, the sane people who cared about this issue, will start to ignore you, and once again, you will lose credibility.

Posted by: Matt | May 20, 2009 01:29 PM

well i feel as though he should be in jail 4ever and never be let out because what he did was unfair and cruel and those dogs didnt deserve it

Posted by: lakera | May 20, 2009 01:37 PM

Taross, morality and humanity for me is an important issue and it is all connected. with the issues that you may deem important.

Posted by: roxanne | May 20, 2009 01:39 PM

This man is evil and twisted. He should not be allowed to return to his lucrative NFL career where he can restore his fortune and resume his former ways. As for working with HSUS or any other animal organization, that is an insult to all creatures.

Posted by: Carol Thomas | May 20, 2009 01:45 PM

I am tired of people saying he deserves a second chance. He did received a 2nd chance. He is free after only 18 months when he was facing 10 years for a interstate dog fighting ENTERPRISE. he enjoyed to beat and kill the dogs himself when they lost. He doesn't deserve to play in the NFL. Sports is a character building for some children and Vick has no morality. Vick doesn't belong in the NFL.

Posted by: roxanne | May 20, 2009 02:05 PM

Amen Corey!

Posted by: Mark | May 20, 2009 02:09 PM

Corey, my bible condemns the sick perverse behavior of Michael vick. the slaughter of the lambs indeed.

Posted by: roxanne | May 20, 2009 02:19 PM

Corey, my bible condemns the sick perverse behavior of Michael vick. the slaughter of the lambs indeed.

Posted by: roxanne | May 20, 2009 02:21 PM

Am I the only person who sees this for what it is? They are dogs, not humans. They are DOGS. Two years in prison is plenty of time for killing dogs. Do I believe it's ok to be mean to animals? No. It's unacceptable. But the man committed a crime and did his time. If he does it again, double the penalty. I doubt he will do it again, after the penalty he received for being caught.

Posted by: jay | May 20, 2009 02:35 PM

I dont think they should let him back into the NFL ever agian. he should work for the human society but cleaning up thier crap. the people that decided this could have made it worse. then agian, the animals are mean and could attack him so maybe it wasnt a bad desition after all.

Posted by: Gianna | May 20, 2009 02:36 PM

Sorry Butchie, I disagree. Vick should still be in prison. His sentence was very light given his crime. He doesn't deserve another chance - he'll just blow it anyway. Anyone who takes pleasure from the suffering of animals is sick and will never rehabilitate.

Posted by: Re | May 20, 2009 02:41 PM

Yeah, lets not let him work so he can go back to hurting dogs to make ends meet. Yeah, lets not reabilitate this man so he can cause more damage. Look at yourselves. Hes lost up to 100 million dollars because of this. What he went thrue is worse then death. Have you notice people killing there whole family because of the ressesion were in because they are shamed and have no money? Wake up. He was caught and did his time.

Posted by: migo lito | May 20, 2009 02:48 PM

It is true that some of his dogs were rehabilitated through loving care and patience and were given a second chance. THE DIFFERENCE is; they were forced into this whole blood thirsty business and never had a choice whereas Vick did! A leopard doesn't change it's spots!

Posted by: Roxy | May 20, 2009 03:06 PM

I stand by what I suggested before...have the beautiful Lettuce Ladies go to NFL games holding up a gigantic "Here's Your 7, Michael Vick" banner with the pictures of his severely injured dogs on it. The minute the camera zeros in on these gorgous girls in their Lettuce bikinis (and I've seen PETA protestors go naked in snow drifts so I don't think cold weather would stop these girls) whip out the banner and make sure it gets on national t.v.!!

This would be a great Superbowl protest!!

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | May 20, 2009 03:08 PM

BUTCHIE, MATT and other misinformed people who have commented on this issue, need get educated and THINK. Would you just like to see him play football again? If he had done the same thing to small children, or women you would NOT be saying this.

What b/c dogs are tortured he gets a second chance. Life is life and dogs SUFFER physically and emotionally as we do. PETA is not "beating a dead horse".

As a PSYCHOLOGIST I can tell u MANY tests regarding anti-social behavior performed by experts are perfectly admissable in court. Someone with mental defects who has anti-social behavior is not safe on a football field or in society.

Humiliating Vick? Seems like a pretty minor punishment for drowning and electrocuting innocent creatures. Have you SEEN the PHOTOS? IF HE TORTURED KIDS U WOULDN'T WANT HIM GET A SECOND CHANCE...WHY IS IT OK CUZ IT'S DOGS? WHY WOULD ANYONE SUPPORT THIS MAN? HE LOST MILLIONS OF DOLLARS? THATS JUST MONEY! HE MADE PLENTY. LIFE IS SLIGHTLY MORE IMPORTANT AND HE WONT EXACTLY STARVE.

Posted by: Lizzy | May 20, 2009 03:16 PM

He has served his time

Posted by: james | May 20, 2009 03:18 PM

Regardless of how big of a sports fan you are, this type of behavior cannot be seriously regarded as punishable by only two years in prison. And cry me a river, football fans. His actions are supposed to be justified because an already rich man missed out on earning more money for a few years? What he did was sick and inexcusable. Plastering his face all over the media and allowing him to live his "normal" life again should be unheard of for any compassionate, ethical human being. And I’m sorry, Butchie. Ask any twelve-year-old boy who their role model is and I bet they won’t say their mommy.

Posted by: Megan | May 20, 2009 03:30 PM

God help him. His crime runs deep and to the core-Yeah he needs a brain scam for certain. He needs a hole in the head( I'm not threating)..I'm quite happy you took the position u did. I had a pitbull found on the streets of Bronx, NYC...and went straight to my heart. My love for this animal rivals the deepest love I have for humans--possibly exceeds it. Im a jewelry designer-I think ready to... go... so I will give Peta a necklace perhaps to show case the boundless uncompromising love we get from animals. Lastly I quote M. Twain--"If u pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man"

Posted by: Danton Scholle | May 20, 2009 03:39 PM

While I agree with most of the posted comments; I think everyone deserves a second chance. Who are we to judge? I'm sure at one point in our lives we all did something to earn a second chance. I truly believe that an unlikely person like Vick, could reversely be PETA's best advocate.

Posted by: Harry Sloan | May 20, 2009 03:41 PM

You can't compare children to dogs. Children are people. Dogs are animals. The fact that some people hold dogs in such high regard is at best paternalistic and at worst mentally unsound. Perseceuting this man who has lost wealth, prestige, fame and power because he killed some dogs is absurd.

Posted by: Kwaisi France | May 20, 2009 03:45 PM

I seriously hope that the rumors I have heard about Michael Vick being a spokesperson for PETA is not true. The man is truly sick and deserves to serve every day of his sentence for what he did to those dogs. As for those of you who believe it was just dogs, well that comment itself speaks volumes about your character. Dogs deserve just as much respect as humans do. If it had been kids or teenagers he did that to I don't think you would be defending him. I seriously hope that no team ever signs him again. Why should he reap all those rewards and those poor animals and to suffer and what about the ones who died. He is truly a very sick man.

Posted by: Dawn | May 20, 2009 03:58 PM

I think it will be absolutely ridiculous if PETA continues to protest Michael Vicks efforts to return to society. The man paid his debt to society and this country is built off of second-chances. HE made a mistake, an aweful one at that. However, he paid the punishment as determined by our courts. If you want to protest anyone, protest the courts. Dont continue to ruin the mans life. If he does this again - he will probably never see the light of day. I think he knows this by now.

Posted by: Neil | May 20, 2009 04:26 PM

people need to remember that animals have feelings too, so it makes them sad when people kill them when they to fight well enough

Posted by: Kittenisoffended | May 20, 2009 04:49 PM

To Kwaisi France:

And what do you think he would do to a child?????

Sorry to bring you back from the troglodyte era but, animals can't defend themselves and do have feelings.

Posted by: Elleng | May 20, 2009 04:56 PM

Thank you Peta for not changing your position on Michael Vick! I am so disgusted with people who make the arguement "he just made a mistake, and should be given a second chance", or the view expressed today by CNN's Rick Sanchez, "They're just dogs, and he should be able to earn a living". Vick did not just make a "mistake" but continually and unconscionably was the ringleader of a dog fighting operation and personally executed dogs himself who underperformed by hanging. Thats not exactly an "oops" i made a mistake!! And as far as remorse?? Please stop! As best as his lawyers and PR people will try to put a positive spin on it, anyone with half a brain cell knows his only remorse is that he got caught. So, as far as second chances go, he should get the same second chance the dogs he brutally murdered will get....

Posted by: Phil | May 20, 2009 04:57 PM

I will never respect a dog more than any human.

Posted by: Taross Thomas | May 20, 2009 05:05 PM

For those of you who like to call up religious text regarding this issue - remember that of all God's creations, only people are guilty of sin. People committing crimes against people is a whole different category of discussion from people committing crimes against innocent beings.

Stop talking about the nuances of this tactic or that approach. Sometimes something is just flat wrong.

Repaying society, etc. doesn't even count here. He didn't harm society. He did something against an innocent that humans have no business deciding to forgive.

It is simply unforgiveable and he should be eradicated. isn't that what humans decide to do when dogs behave badly?

Posted by: Miraclecats | May 20, 2009 05:14 PM

I am interested in putting together, in advance, a program to boycott, pickett, disrupt games/stadiums of any team deciding to give him a "second chance". Let me know what I can do to help or anyone who is interested contact me at trplback@gmail.com.

Posted by: mike harper | May 20, 2009 05:23 PM

I PRAY HIS DEEDS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN AS SOON AS HE SCORES A GOAL.I WILL BOYCOTT ANY FRANCHISE THAT PICKS HIM UP OR PRODUCTS THAT ENDORSE THEM AND HOPE EVERYONE FEELS THE SAME AS I.

Posted by: DAVID L. TIBBS | May 20, 2009 05:23 PM

I've supported PETA from the very beginning -- when it was originally in Maryland -- because I truly believe in saving/helping/caring for animals but now you're over the top. Dictating a psych evaluation? It's sounds more like posturing to get the organization's name into the news.
You've done wonderful work but sometimes your tactics turn off people and that's not what the PETA I support is supposed to do. Love and protect animals and encourage people to do the same.
I'm not a fan of Michael Vick but a lot of young people are and if he is truly rehabilitated and can be a newly-converted role model to these "at-risk of harming animals" children, then give him the chance. Watch him, monitor him, but let's see what he can do for the cause.
He may be a great ally for abused animals.

Posted by: Connie | May 20, 2009 05:24 PM

As an organization you have to believe that people can be reformed and deserve second chances. Otherwise everyone who disagrees with you might as well be discarded.

Posted by: Stephen | May 20, 2009 05:24 PM

To: Taross Thomas

We don't respect you either!

Posted by: Elleng | May 20, 2009 05:30 PM

What he did to dogs is unbelievably cruel but PETA and others have gone too far. He should not have to lose his livelihood and have his life ruined over this.

Posted by: Larry Turner | May 20, 2009 05:48 PM

I whole heartedly agree with Barbara. The man is a psychopath. The fact that these are animals doesn't excuse his lack of respect for life in general. He deserves to get only the minimum wage jobs most felons have to settle for. I would support every protest PETA hurls against any NFL team mindless enough to consider hiring him.

Posted by: Emmy G | May 20, 2009 05:50 PM

Please never compare a dog to a human. Don't get me wrong, I love my dog, but lets be real here. Vick did a stupid and inhuman thing, and no one supports that.

He's no different from any other criminal. Everyone serves their time, then continues on with life.

Vick will not be back in jail and he will play in the NFL again.

I can't wait for the day that he steps back out on the field. And I will do nothing but laugh at all the people wasting their time protesting and trying to convince the NFL.

The NFL does not care about PETA, and either do the majority of Americans.

Vick's served his time, and he continues to do so today. He will never live down his crime, his life will never be the same. But he will change.

Go mike!

Posted by: Jim Bob | May 20, 2009 05:56 PM

The HSUS is currently working with Vick. While skeptical, they are willing to give Vick a chance to assist them in reaching out to youth who are headed down the same path Vick took.

I hate what Vick did and I am glad he served time for it. I dont think he served ENOUGH time... but most murderers and rapists don't either. That's our justice system.

The HSUS says that Vick grew up with dogfighting in his family, etc. and he claims that he never questioned the practice. While I can see how this could be hard to swallow... I do believe that it COULD be true. American society does not encourage people to THINK about what they do. We instead value tradition, norms, etc. But where do these come from? I became vegetarian not because I think animals should be able to vote or that they're equal to humans, but because I couldn't come up with any logical explanation regarding why it's "okay" for me to eat a cow but not a horse, a chicken but not a parrot, etc. When people ask me why I'm vegetarian, and I tell them that, I ALWAYS get a moment of silence followed by a "gee, I never thought about it like that". Of course you didn't. Because "we eat meat"... it's just what we do. Nobody knows why and nobody cares. So it's conceivable to me that Vick was so used to doing this that he never considered how wrong it was.

In any case... there are MANY cases where someone who previously did some horrible thing becomes a lifelong spokesperson against that very thing. If this can be what becomes of Vick's life, then so be it. Who better to tell kids how bad dogfighting is than someone who lost millions of dollars and an entire nations respect because of it.

As far as returning to the NFL... whether he is legally allowed to or not, is any team out there going to take him? Or will they be too concerned that the nation's negative feelings towards him will completely erode their fan base. Like it or not (and I am a fan), the NFL is about money... and any team that considers him WILL have to consider whether their fans will continue to support them.

I say let the man attempt to clear his name. If he's truly "reformed" it could be a wonderful asset to the animals. If he's not... we'll see it soon enough. Then the world will really hate him!

Posted by: Jen | May 20, 2009 06:08 PM

He has paid his dues. If Peta wants to try and block his ability to play in the NFL then they should also picket his ten dollar an hour job as well. Is it more productive to force a person into a state of needing welfare to exist or letting them carry on with their lives in hopefully a more productive manner? Work with him use MV as a tool in order to make positive change in society if at all possible.

Posted by: JH | May 20, 2009 06:16 PM

Peta, I support and have supported your organization 100%, I live each day to take care of my animals and help any others I come across, there is no way that Peta should associate the organization with Michael Vick! I, as a Peta member think he is a disgrace and disgusting man. And lets not look lightly upon any of this because our Judicial system does not punish people properly. He has no right to continue on with his multi million dollar contracts which give him the ability to live the life of luxury, he is a piece of garbage and should not have any rights,let him rot behind bars! Those of us that cherish animals and all they stand for will never forget the man! I watch professional football whenever I can, but I will say, if they reinstate him, I will never watch again. He is a terrible person and should not ever be able to be a role model for anyone...7-11 is always hiring Vick, good luck to ya!

Posted by: Kim | May 20, 2009 06:41 PM

Corey,
It would be horribly unfortunate if that were to happen to your daughter, however creatures with no voice and no way to fight back need our help. If let go, this type of behavior without (or with slight) consequences is just a gateway offense. Take Hitler, for example. While I think all of his actions were atrocties, the actions started out with one sector in mind then spread like wild flowers.

What I am saying is that even looking at this from a non-compassionate point of view, the question still remains, who will be the person to decide what is acceptable behavior? Is it ok to hurt animals? Is it ok to hurt the mentally disabled? Is it ok to hurt the elderly? Children? Certain minority groups? The list goes on and on. Where does it stop if not here?

In my opinion part of the reason why these things keep going on is because we as a society are so concerned with the things that were not taken care of properly (or so we belived) in our lives that we maintain a "who cares about that" attitude. In other words- my problem is bigger than yours.

Maybe you should study that bible of your again and see what part you overlooked....

Posted by: Danielle | May 20, 2009 06:55 PM

Is there any stipulation to his release that says he is banned from adopting or buying a dog? Sort of like when pedophiles are released from prison, they aren't allowed near any children.... Michael Vick should not be allowed near ANY dogs. I'm really curious what the court said about this.

Posted by: Julia | May 20, 2009 07:06 PM

Very nice, Miraclecats!

One more thing, in rebuttle to the posts concerning the fact that he lost millions revolving arrond his football career; This only further shows that he did this purely for his own twisted pleasure, therefore solidifying the fact that he should never again be in any position that other humans will identify him with a person to look up to or a role model. What do you think is going to happen? If he is allowed to play ball agian, it will be portrayed as a "turn arround", a "he went from prison to proball" and so can you type situation.

Posted by: Danielle | May 20, 2009 07:07 PM

He should NEVER be let back! Someone who tortures animals like that should be in prison for LIFE not just a couple of months. Maybe even sentinced to death!

Posted by: Amanda | May 20, 2009 07:38 PM

Allow Michael Vick to join the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). Let's see how well he does fighting in a cage.

Posted by: Brien Comerford | May 20, 2009 07:55 PM

Ok. For everyone who thinks Vick should have another chance, should we have let Ted Bundy have another chance? He only raped and killed a few people. So what? Its only people. Should he or should he have not been sentenced to the death penalty? Should we have given him another chance? Being in jail twice, im sure that will make up for what he did wrong.Im sure he just made a little 'mistake'. He didnt know he was doing any wrong. He should have been given another chance. NOT. For what Vick did to all those dogs and other animals, he should NEVER be allowed to play football again and be sentanced to the death penalty. Im sure this would happen if it had been people. But because its dogs, not much is going to be done.

Posted by: Brittany | May 20, 2009 08:11 PM

Peta, my letter to Mr.Wayne Pacelle and The Humane Society of the United States

There is no way that Mr.Wayne Pacelle and The Humane Society of the United States should have anything to do with Michael Vick. It is a bad choice having him join the anti-dogfighting campaign. Is there any money involved ????
There is no need to show the public his remorse.

Please, do not take this aproach.

Posted by: kv | May 20, 2009 09:04 PM

I cant stand when dogs are slobbering on me or rubbing up against me.They just flat out stink!And dont get me started on cats!!!BUT.....killing them,fighting them cmon!Vick should never be allowed to play football again!He should have gotten a longer sentence!Its just a dog...but it still has nerve endings and just wants to be cared for like you and I.Vick is a sick man and needs help...after a long sentence!2 years and then sign him to a multi-million dollar contract so we can watch him fumble all day long!cmon!

Posted by: marc | May 20, 2009 09:06 PM

I hope Roger Goodell doesn't send the message that any kind of conduct, no matter how horrific, will be tolerated by NFL players. Michael Vick does not belong on the football field for any team in the league. I pray that even if in the event he is allowed to play again, that no team would sign him. At some point, it just cannot be ONLY about the $$$ or about winning. As Marv Levy says in his biography, it is also about character and leadership.

Posted by: linquiltz | May 20, 2009 09:45 PM

This is horrific. I'm fourteen and I recently turned vegetarian and my mom used to tell me the people at PETA were crazy and now that I've been to PETA.org I realised that everyone else is wrong not PETA.

Posted by: Maddie | May 20, 2009 10:02 PM

The man served the time. Prison time can't be easy! With all the eyes on him, he's never going to slip up like that again. They should let him play again. He brings millions and millions to the NFL, it's advertisers, ticket sales, etc... There is more benefit to society for him to play in the US NFL then for him to go play in canada or Europe. (which he will anyway)

Posted by: erik | May 20, 2009 10:24 PM

You all sound very christian to me...not. There is no place in the bible where dogs let alone any animal are on the same level as humans. All of you wishing for him to fail again are evil. This is a HUMAN being. A human being who made a huge mistake. There is no technology that can feel true remorse in a persons heart. There is also no one who knows if he is truely remorsefull. This is a person who has strayed from the path and, we should help lead him onto the path again

I question all of you "lovers of earths creatures" who wish for him to fail. God forgives and wishes prosperity for truely remorsefull people who have committed far worse crimes. No, I have never seen human beings on the same level as dogs in the bible. However, I have seen a lot about forgiveness.

Posted by: Joe Torres | May 20, 2009 11:04 PM

I am by no means a supporter of dog fighting. However, Michael Vick was sent to prison for his crimes, served his sentence and like every other criminal offender in this country, should be allowed to return to society. Certainly we need to watch him and monitor his activities but treating him differently than other prisoners who have "paid thier debt to society" is not right.

Posted by: Gary | May 20, 2009 11:09 PM

Vick should not have gone to prison in the 1st place. It's the Dogs we are talking about not humans. Dogs are another species and we as humans are 6 levels above the food chain. We humans have created the laws to protect human beings and we incarcerate a human being for dog fighting ? I just do not get it. Just because Dogs are pets there is a big outrage on this, if he was involved in fighting say checikens I don't there would be such an outrage.

PETA -- bunch of soccer moms who have nor egular jobs and have all the time to satge protests needs to calm down here.

Posted by: Human Rights | May 20, 2009 11:24 PM

PETA, what about the muderers and rapists in the world who torture and kill. Why don't I see any articles about them. Ray Lewis killed a HUMAN BEING, but look who's an NFL star. Anybody who says an animal's life is more important than a human's is crazy. You are the ones who are taking advantage of your situation. Human lives are always more important than animal's lives, always. We need to focus our time, energy, and money on more important things than Michael Vick. Amen Corey.

Posted by: John | May 20, 2009 11:37 PM

PETA, what about the muderers and rapists in the world who torture and kill. Why don't I see any articles about them. Ray Lewis killed a HUMAN BEING, but look who's an NFL star. Anybody who says an animal's life is more important than a human's is crazy. You are the ones who are taking advantage of your situation. Human lives are always more important than animal's lives, always. We need to focus our time, energy, and money on more important things than Michael Vick. Amen Corey.

Posted by: John | May 20, 2009 11:37 PM

Michael Vick is a disgusting, a disgrace to football, and should have to do WAY more than two years considering his actions. His case just goes to show that the rich and the famous are never punished as they should. If he were just some random guy i'm sure his sentence would have been much longer. As a football fan i am embarrassed and disgraced by his face. Seeing it everywhere makes me puke. Michael Vick should never be allowed to play again, regardless of whether he's really sorry or not. If they let him back in he'll think he can get away with it. He's a horrible creature (not even good enough to be a human being).

Posted by: Bianca Santiago | May 20, 2009 11:56 PM

Honestly this whole situation was blown way out of proportion. They should have just fined him and he should have never gone to jail. and not letting him play again is just ridiculous. while dogfighting is awful, its really not that big of deal. Im sure he has learned his lesson

Posted by: Ryan | May 21, 2009 12:28 AM

Did you just say that Mike Vick should be executed for what he did????
Are you serious???!!??!! That statement is even sicker than what Vick did. You people need some serious psychological examining

Posted by: Steve | May 21, 2009 12:52 AM

I dont think he should ever be allowed out of prison. Those poor animals were beaten, starved, hung, and eventually ripped apart. Why does he get off so easy with a redicuously short jail sentence and he gets to go back to playing football?

Posted by: Tom Watson | May 21, 2009 01:07 AM

Don't undermine the serious crime that he committed by saying that there are more worse things out there and don't belittle dogs because "they are not human". Stop descriminating against another being: animals.

Posted by: Leiah | May 21, 2009 01:31 AM

hello, what does NFL mean? and what do they?

Posted by: Stephy | May 21, 2009 03:42 AM

Dogtown in Utah helped rehab some of the dogs.They ran a documentary on nat/geo. He tortured them. He should have gotten longer sentence.....he truly is hateful...

Posted by: lance | May 21, 2009 04:06 AM

It scares me how some Americans respect dogs more than human beings.

Posted by: Elliott | May 21, 2009 04:58 AM

This man is crazy!!! What is his problem? People like him don't deserve to live. Animal torture is just as bad as humans.

Posted by: Pink | May 21, 2009 09:00 AM

"They are DOGS - not people?" What the hell, Jay, you don't belong on this site. I love animals more than most people I know. They are innocent, helpless, unconditionally loving beings who deserve our love, respect, and protection. Who is more base and degenerate than one who would take advantage of and abuse this helplessness? It's disgusting, depraved, and reprehensible. Just like pedophiles, rapists, kidnappers, and murderers - there is something not right in the brains of these people that all the therapy in the world won't cure. Take Vick out back and do to him what he did to those poor pets. All they want is to love us and make us happy, and this is how they are treated??? This is heartbreaking . . .

Posted by: Re | May 21, 2009 09:13 AM

Matthew 25:40...And the King answered and said unto them: "Verily I say unto you..whatsoever ye have done unto the least of these, my bretheren, ye have done also unto me".

Posted by: Joanne | May 21, 2009 09:17 AM

I'm so angry with whoever said that if we buy an animal we should be able to abuse them. Pinks right! Animals are not ours to eat. Michale vick is nuts-loco-coocoo for coco puffs- and darn right stupid. Everyone who loves animals take a stand.People who don't your just missing out. Don't hurt animals. Bring it on animal haters. I love pink! She's awesome. Your rock peta

Posted by: ciara | May 21, 2009 10:09 AM

Stephy, NFL stands for National Football League. They play American football (not soccer). It's a very violent sport that at times looks more like there is a war going on, not a game, and Michael Vick is not the first player to end up in prison for something he did off the field. While I'm sure most sports have their own version of the man, football seems to have more of them.

Posted by: Rev. Meg Schramm | May 21, 2009 10:24 AM

PETA is not God. Who gave PETA the authority to decide when another human being has paid their debt to society? God didn't? Forgiveness is between him and God. Why does Mike Vick needs PETA's forgiveness or endorsement? Quit trying to be God. Quit trying to play God. God doesn't need PETA's help to punish people.

Posted by: Bryon Holmes | May 21, 2009 10:30 AM

Well then Jim Bob
Let's release all of the criminals to the pearly gates at your house!

Posted by: Elleng | May 21, 2009 10:33 AM

Ok for some reason all my post dont make the cut (guess i make to much sense). Daneille i do hear and unlike some people i value everyones opinion but im saying this.
know one can show me in any bible or religion where dogs or any animail is equal to a human. in certain countries they eat dogs like we eat cows but we choose to domesticate them and put them on a pedastal of being our equals.I can go to china garden resturant in my town and order what is called keko(if spelled right) and they will bring me a plate of dog. do i eat dog? no but point is that they arent near human they are animals just like the deer and rabbits that get they own season to be hunted(lucky them) and then be stuffed and put on a wall of a rich tycoon who hunts with his buddys for sport. so i really dont understand how these so called animal lovers can take so much offense by vick but everything else is fine.
Bottom line we live in a sick society when micheal jackson can give your child JESUS JUICE and still sell out a concert in your city. R.kelly can pee on a 14 year old and sell a million albums, a preist can admit his guilty of molestaion be suspended and allowed to come back to work and no one says a thing. But lets attack the young rich athlete that fought dogs(really).you cant compare this to a murder of a human. if you found your dog dead im sure it would deeply hurt and sadden you but you will buy another one. you cant buy another brother or mother and if you cant understand that we all need a brain scan. I just wish we could focus this kind of energy on things that really effect us as people like our kids and economy, our health care system not trying to end one football players life

Posted by: corey gregory | May 21, 2009 11:26 AM

Vick made the CHOICE to throw away his NFL career to stay involved in illegal activities that he had been doing since college. This was NO mistake. He knew it was wrong and yet he lied and decieved alot of people who were responsible for the highest ever NFL contract! He had everything at his finger tips yet HE decided to engage in criminal activity and was proud to do it! Why give somebody a 2nd chance whey they gladly threw away their first chance

Posted by: Frank Parsons | May 21, 2009 11:26 AM

I hope that Michael Vick never plays another season in the NFL.

Michael Vick is a vile man...

Posted by: J | May 21, 2009 11:45 AM

Peta- THANK YOU for NOT being like Humane Society US- Wayne is insane and has money on the brain. What is he thinking? Thank you Peta for fighting against what is criminal and not turning around to try and support Vick afterwards like HSUS is doing. Peta gets it. Peta Rocks!!!

Posted by: Nate | May 21, 2009 11:51 AM

There is no defending Vick's actions. He convicted in the courts and served jail time. I do think Vick should be allowed to continue his career. People should get second chances. If God is willing to forgive, then so should society. You have to allow people the opportunity to earn a living. Vick just happens to be a high profile case and a professional athlete. If he owned a construction company and committed the same crime then he'd be allowed to resume his duties with his company.
Like I stated in the opening, what Vick did was horrific. If he's allowed to play in the NFL you don't have to support him or the team. Nevertheless, once his debt to society is paid he should be allowed to restart his career if an NFL wants him on their roster. We do not have to forget, but God teaches us that we must forgive.

Posted by: cottonquick | May 21, 2009 12:03 PM

All I'm going to say it's ironic how PETA decries Vick's actions, but will euthanize animals because it's "more humane for the pet." Um... sorry, but the animals also suffer cruel and inhumane treatment when put to sleep. We simply do NOT know how they feel when they're being injected with lethal drugs.

It's simply pot/kettle, but those who actually read into groups knows that both sides are guilty of killing animals - apparently one of the bigger points of contrition.

PETA also seems to not get that animals will attack if provoked no matter how nice they are most of the time. Pit bulls were bred to be fighters - that's a historical fact. German Shepherds are the same way. That instinct is there no matter WHO trains them, and even if they're trained in loving homes. Again, just a fact.

I say if the NFL wants him back, that's their choice. It's up to parents to determine what their kids watch as well as teach them who true heroes are.

Posted by: mac | May 21, 2009 12:12 PM

I'm a little frightened by some of these folks who have posted here on this blog. Some of them may be running dog rings themselves in reading their comments. Let's not forget that Vick participated in and ordered the butchering of animals that did not perform to their satisfaction at Michael Vick's command (and in some cases, some were cruelly killed). This is a mind-set folks and anyone capable of such cruelty means that there is something very wrong with them. He knew it was wrong because he tried to blame everyone else but himself. He cruely murdered animals and tortured the rest by making them live these terrible lives. That God they were caught is what I say otherwise guess what, it would still be going on. With all the money he was making in football, it wasn't enough...he wanted more money at the expense of dogs suffering. How cheap is that and he gets to spend the last two months of his time at home? Those dogs that were killed don't have a second chance do they? He should never play pro-football again and if a team takes him on we will fight it all the way and not watch it or go to the games and we will demonstrate those games to distract from the game. We promise you this. I agree with PETA that he needs his head examined.

Posted by: VICKI from NJ | May 21, 2009 12:13 PM

We would not let a rapist or child abuser back to his former status as a football icon, why would we let Vick? I think abuse of any sort to anyone does not deserve anyone to be restored to a former famous status. Unfortunately I hope he has learned a valuable lesson but I do not believe he deserves to be let back into the NFL. And I think as his penance he should have to do voluntary work for the Animal Abuse Assoc. or PETA in the form of commercials or something that does or involve direct animal care since I believe he can never be trusted with animal welfare.

Posted by: Kristen Bossert | May 21, 2009 12:17 PM

that is a bunch of bull sh** if you ask me

Posted by: amber pearl mccauley | May 21, 2009 12:23 PM

Absolutely worrying.
No offence meant here, well, actually, I take that back, plenty of offence meant - what the hell is wrong with the law these days?
Criminals are constantly being let off after doing outrageous things! Murders, be it the death of an animal or human, are being permitted to walk the streets. Criminals of all kinds, no matter who they are.

If he gets into NFL, there should be a full time disagreement.

Posted by: Stacy | May 21, 2009 12:24 PM

Vick stories always get the most publicity on PETA's site. More then the seals, ect... FACT!!!

Posted by: migo lito | May 21, 2009 12:24 PM

I think dog fighting is a bad way to exist. I think people fighting is as well. I also think we should remember why we have a court system. It's mainly for reasons such as this. When a person commits a crime, that person is rarely ever forgiven. Now we have judge and jury to appease as many people as possible in order to prevent mob violence, lynch mobs, and the such. I'm sure many aren't very faithful when they call for more and more punishment. Remember that the next time you are at church if you are religion followers. If you don't follow religion then remember to vote for a representative that will increase punishment for people who commit crimes you really, really don't like.

Posted by: ERIC | May 21, 2009 12:26 PM

I can't imagine someone who brutality abuses animals could be mentally well. I agree he should be receiving a physiological evaluation.

Posted by: kat | May 21, 2009 12:27 PM

This worthless piece of excrement doesn't deserve to live, but that unfortunately is not my call. He is a sick individual who has shown that he is heartless, with no remorse except for the fact that he got caught! He will nevewr change. It has been proven that people who torture animals move on to hurt people. It's just a matter of time. The rest of his life should be spent as a social outcast. I would have no respect for anyone who would hire him! Damn him and anyone who would purposely hurt animals or children.

Posted by: Somratni | May 21, 2009 12:29 PM

Did you know people can fool psychologists and psychiatrists? It's very easy to do. The fact that he tortured animals for years represents someone who enjoys sadism-and the USDA reported he threw in family pets because "he thought it was funny." Keep also in mind most thugs and gangs do dog fighting for financial gain-it's a cash crop. Vick was already a multi-millionaire. SO that must mean he did it for the enjoyment of torturing animals. Don't forget the deep fried pit bulls (electrocution) and hangings, which was his entertainment as well. I doubt a prison sentence can "teach" him compassion-but he will do and say anything to get back into the NFL for the millions of dollars, to pay off his debts, and to pay his LAWYERS.

Consider this: SUPPOSING IF Michael Vick were a child molester--which he is NOT but supposing--would he be even remotely considered to play NFL? Of course not. Why? Because it would be IMMORAL. Now isn't dog fighting just as immoral? I think it is. To an animal activist, it IS just as immoral. TO ME dog fighting is just as disgusting and immoral as child molestation due to the exploitation of small, helpless beings as both are crimes of violence against the weak and helpless-both derive perverted pleasure from the suffering of the helpless. No psychological evaluation can change what he has done. As Ophelia said in MacBeth: "All the perfumes of Arabia cannot wash the blood from this hand..."

Posted by: Luke Swanhart | May 21, 2009 12:41 PM

I think that Peta needs to get a life. Vick has served his time in Prison. I wonder... How many of you Peta freaks have been to Prison????? I can tell you it is not a place you want to go its all about survival of the fitest. One year is a long time to pay your debt to society. If he can still play footbal he should get another chance because unlike jobs of ordinary citizens his carreer field is Entertainment. Sports fans want to see him play witch makes the NFL money bottom line. I like animals, but lets be real they are animals to humans. I look at it like this if you were in a small boat and could only fit your child it or the dog or cat who would you put in???? You would put in the child leave the animal behind and go by another and get over it.

Posted by: Shawn | May 21, 2009 12:47 PM

I've been keeping up with a lot of blogs and comments on a wide range of topics and what I find most is a very angry population. I am glad I stopped harming animals when I was a kid. I am glad I stopped doing drugs. I am glad I became a father. I am glad I became a better person all around. I still have a lot of work to do. If I left it up to the angry, gnashing mob out there I would never make it. I would be the scape goat. I would be set out to pasture. I would be banished from the city walls. I would be eradicated. I am glad my life is not up to PETA, the NFL, the government, or any one else. I would never get anywhere. My mistakes large and small would be the death of me...unless I was forgiven. Please find it in your hearts to forgive. Things will surely get worse if we stop forgiving each other.

Posted by: ERIC | May 21, 2009 12:48 PM

This justice system of ours just doesn't seem to be working. I do believe we need to have the "an eye for an eye" system. I would even volunteer for the job at hand myself!
Shame on these judges!!

Posted by: Patty | May 21, 2009 12:50 PM

To all of you who think that Michael Vick should be given a second chance, etc:

-when the police interview rape/child abuse suspects, they will ask them questions about what they think should happen to someone who sexually abuses a child - the guilty ones will say the person should get counselling or something like that (ie: get a second chance), the innocent ones will say that a child sex abuser should be thrown in jail, possibly for life, or something similar.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Maybe those of you defending him are capable of doing the same things, or maybe you already have treated animals that way...

Posted by: Michele | May 21, 2009 12:56 PM

when are we going to stop pointing fingers....yes what mike vick did was wrong, football is his job, why shouldnt he return to work? and when are we going to go after RODEO'S, HORSE RACING, DOG RACING, ZOO'S? HOG FARMS, THE AMISH .....if PETA is to be taking serious....maybe its time PETA stop pointing in one direction????

Posted by: deon | May 21, 2009 12:58 PM

Vick should be allowed back in the NFL - as a towel boy. The leniency of his sentence aside, he should be given the exact same chance every other ex-con gets in our society today: Minimum wage employment.

Posted by: Stuart | May 21, 2009 12:59 PM

To the Human Rights person:

At least soccer moms take the time to be with their children!

Being a so called human rights person we would think in your cranium that would be a good thing.

Posted by: KJohn | May 21, 2009 01:00 PM

I am an animal lover just like everyone here. What disturbes me is the unforgiving,hostile and hateful comments that people have posted here. Animals suffer at the hands of humans every moment of every day. Cows and chickens are tortured the most in this country and if you eat meat you are participating in the torture of animals.
Michael Vick is in a position to do a tremendous amount of good for animal rights. Every human on this planet has done something that has harmed life in some way and if we learn from our misdeeds, then we get it! We understand the process of developing into a compassionate and loving human. One of the most destructive forces in this world is an hate-filled heart. Michael Vick deserves a chance to turn his life around and it would be great to see him be a great animal rights advocate, he can have a lot of positive influence. We all should be like Jesus, open our hearts and welcome him back to society, help him be the best he can be. A hateful and scornful heart just attracts more of the same.

Posted by: Elle | May 21, 2009 01:05 PM

Vicki from NJ: There are people convicted of drug dealing, possession, assaults and a variety of other charges playing pro spots. In fact, a football player named Donate Stallworth ran over and killed somebody while drinking recently and the latest reports are showing a loophole in the law will help him out.
I'm not saying any of this is right. The NFL has a strict policy about off the field conduct and they enforce it. The NFL could ban Vick although that does not seem likely. In recent years they've held true and forced players to miss entire seasons for crimes. But, they will give players a second change and they should. People change, even bad people can change. But, God can touch their heart and make then a new person.

Posted by: cottonquick | May 21, 2009 01:07 PM

Hello, PETA! Well it seems you live to make people's lives miserable. We all are human and tend to make mistakes. Money will do that to you. But PETA wants to be the Judge,Jury and Executioner. Vick has done his time and has shown remorse for the mistake he has made with the dogs. There are more important issues that need to be address. Homelessness, poverty,and killings of humans and ect. Move on people!

Posted by: Nita | May 21, 2009 01:12 PM

Some of you folks think it's about respecting dogs from what I'm reading...it's about being humane for a lessor animal that needs our protection, idiot, since they don't have a voice. Unlike human beings, some of these dogs who were in hell have been rehabilitated to the point of actually enjoying and loving another human being. Isn't that food for thought?! We could take some lessons from these dogs. They only want love and will return love. Shame on anyone who would rather exploit them for money by terrible means. I agree with an earlier blog I read here. I'd like to see Michael Vick put in a fighting cage with humans and lets see how well he does. It's called compassion for other living beings folks...not for our exploits and money gains. I'm so disappointed in reading some of these mean-spirited comments on this blog. I didn't realize there were so many folks that don't give a damn about animals, but guess what, there are more of us that do care, so keep that in mind, going forward.

Posted by: VICKI from NJ | May 21, 2009 01:32 PM

he should never be allowed to touch a football again! what he did is in excusible and is NOT okay!! it makes me sick to hear hes getting out of prison! i will never watch a football game that he participates in!

Posted by: Angela | May 21, 2009 01:35 PM

To: Nita

And you think he wouldn't have anger issues torwards children???

Posted by: kJohn | May 21, 2009 01:37 PM

Cottonquick: big difference here...Vick knowingly tortured and killed viciously those animals for not performing to his satisfaction. They were being forced to fight. The drunk driving incident I'm sure that person will never get over it and he didn't mean to kill anyone, but Vick ordered these dogs killed and tortured so where is your head at? I still say no to pro football, that he should now only fight in cages with humans and let's see how well he does there. I'd go see that fight!

Posted by: Vicki from NJ | May 21, 2009 01:39 PM

There is an extremely strong connection between animal abusers and those that focus their violent nature on the human species. This violence is a perspective on life and we have come to tolerate, even embrace it everyday, all of it unacceptable, most beyond our ability to change. But let us do whatever we can....to not put Vick under the scrutiny of the psychiatric microscope is patently irresponsible. He has only done his "time", not changed his mind, nor his heart. (The laws on animal abuse must change in this country too. Two years is not time enough) The NFL has a responsibility, and needs to make a statement with their actions. I hope he never gets back in, and that the shame of torturing animals follows him every where he goes right to his grave and beyond.

Posted by: Michele Bollo | May 21, 2009 01:49 PM

The reality is that he is sick person that needs lots of help besides prison. I also think that this a double edge situation. If he doesn't get back in NFL (which is unlikely) he will do it to make money and if he does get back in NFL he'll do it again because he has money and has learned to hide it better.

The bottom line is that he needs lots of mental help to realize what he did is wrong...its easy to say sorry but another thing to actually mean it!!!!

Posted by: Animal Lover | May 21, 2009 01:53 PM

It absolutely breaks my heart to see innocent creatures who depend on their human owners for the necessities of life and comfort become objects of such heinous forms of entertainment. These poor creatures, whose only desire is to please their masters are victims of an absolute betrayal of trust. Is dog racing any better? Really?

Posted by: Steve Bowering | May 21, 2009 02:01 PM

The same restarunt i mentioned in my earlier blog that serves dog as a meal. also at one point led my city in the adoption of dogs hmmmmm, wheres peta when you need them. guess this situation doesnt have a big enough pay off for their pocket to entertain

Posted by: corey gregory | May 21, 2009 02:06 PM

yes some comments are right. There are people convicted of drug dealing, possession, assaults and a variety of other charges playing pro spots. BUT, thats not what PETA is here to fight for. Let the other organizations that specialize in that deal with that. AND mistakes are mistakes. But he knew what he was doing and if you dont think thats a sickness instead of a mistake then your sick too.

Posted by: Elizabeth | May 21, 2009 02:11 PM

I cannot even comprehend how anyone can see another living creature tortured or injured. As the primary intelligent species on this planet, it is our duty to care and guard for all the other life on our world. Especially dogs! Dogs are our symbiotic partners. Humans and dogs have been together for over 14,000 years! This bond places a duty on us, we are bound by this symbiotic partnership to take care of them, and they to guard and warn us of danger, even in our modern society, we still rely on them to protect us, and they rely on us to take care of them and feed them.
We are the primary sentient species on this planet, as such it is our duty to guard and care for all the other life. If not us, then who will?

Posted by: Eric | May 21, 2009 02:13 PM

The hypocritical statements on here startle me. How you can say that you don't agree with animal torture but we forgive others so we should forgive him? First of all given the nature of his crime and the pattern of his violent actions since a young age he is obviously pyschologically distrubed. In prison you really don't get help for that. The chances that he will commit another crime are so high that is scary that he is even out. Second of all America is not forgiving towards criminals. From where I work I see prisoners leave and have a very hard time meshing back in with society. So what makes him so special why should he get special breaks? Do you think other prisoners get their jobs back? No they don't. So because he is a football player he should get special treatment. What about all the other violent offenders should they get their jobs and money back? From where I work I see prisoners leave and commit another crime and come right back. The Humane Society already tried to make a deal with him to reach out to inner city youth about this issue. At first he agreed then he went back on his word. This does not show remorse and the fact someone could torture and not show remorse is terrifying. What are we going to say when he starts acting violent towards people? Because that is how most violent offenders start with animals. If you care so much about society then try to protect it by showing that it is not ok to commit violent crimes and this will not be tolerated.

Posted by: Kate | May 21, 2009 02:23 PM

(I probably am going to get BASHED for this bc ppl on here don't like to have nice "debate" with opposing view points...)

Initially, prision/jail is a place for rehibilitation. Although it has evolved into nothing of the sort,he deserved the time he got but needs help changing his feelings towards the treatment of animals. I think that it is fair to suspend him from the NFL for a season or two but to not allow him to be in the NFL ever again is ridiculous. We hold celebrities and atheletes on this pedestal, expecting them to be an angel. They are human and make mistakes just like ALL of us. Granted what he did was not good, however PETA should work with him for the sole purpose of educating him on the rights and feelings of animals, instead of criticizing him (like many celebrities that wear fur or eat meat). Education is the only way to allow ppl to see that treating animals inhumanely is wrong, NOT hating them or creating negative perceptions of them. I, at one point in my life, ate meat and didn't care about animals. All it took for me to become a vegetarian (3 years strong!) and care about animal rights was not shun those who didn't care but listen to someone who was only concerned about spreading knowledge. MV just needs some help. PETA is the perfect solution to his animal abuse problem.

Posted by: Jess | May 21, 2009 02:28 PM

If he wants to come back into the NFL then as long as he donates 75% of his salary to animal protection groups that MIGHT be acceptable.

The problem is I only believe he was sorry he was caught. He'd still enjoy seeing animals torn apart now if he hadn't been caught and everyone knows that.

Posted by: Chris Flynn | May 21, 2009 02:32 PM

I can't judge if he should play football again or not. I can't imagine any one would want him with his history. His life is ruined and I do wonder if he has a clue to what he has done. He says so but.... I do not feel sorry for him and I do believe in karma. It gets me angry when I see his dogs in Dog Town and what he did to them. My sadness or angrer doesn't help him and what he did, let alone those poor dogs he abused!

Posted by: Wendy | May 21, 2009 02:34 PM

Anyone who could do something as awful as this is obviously insane, no sane human being could do this. It just baffles me how someone could do something so cruel to any living thing.
In my opinion, Vick should never be allowed to play in the NFL again, people have been banned for much less. I don't even have the words for how disgusted I would be if the NFL takes Vick back. Can anyone honestly say they want this man to be a role modelto their children?
And I'm sorry if this offends anyone's beliefs, but anyone can say they found god just to get what they want. He didn't just make a mistake, he can't say "Oops, I accidentally tortured a bunch of dogs!" He knew what he was doing, he knew it was wrong, and if he didn't he's even more insane!
And to anyone who says that they're just animals, maybe you should be getting a psychiatric evaluation as well.

Posted by: Bre | May 21, 2009 02:34 PM

This is so disheartening. I know he like any of us deserves forgiveness, if he repents his sin, and ask for God's forgiveness. I just wish there was a way to know he has changed in his heart. I will never understand how you can be so unfeeling for a living, breathing being.

Posted by: Deana Palmer | May 21, 2009 02:39 PM

if any teams picks him up i am officially BOYCOTTING ALL SPONSORS! I WILL NOT BUY FROM ANYONE WHO CONDONES THAT BEHAVIOR!

Posted by: Tara Cook | May 21, 2009 02:51 PM

I heard Vick is going to be a spokesman for the HSUS in dealing with urban youth to prevent them from participating in dog fighting. I don't really think he's doing all this animal work now because he truely feels remorseful for his actions - i think he's just doing all this to redeem himself and try to get back into the NFL on a good note. I think he still has a lot of work to do before people, sane people, can take him seriously.

Posted by: lisa | May 21, 2009 02:58 PM

Nita,

It's all important. What worries me is what are we teaching our children? As long as you are an athlete you can do anything? I understand it's not the NFL's responsibility to set society's morals, how about something like "good sportman's ship"? Does what Vick did to those dogs demonstrate good sportsmanship or athleticism? Or doesn't it matter if you can throw a football?

Posted by: Jill | May 21, 2009 03:00 PM

It will be an absolute outrage for Micheal Vick to be allowed back into the NFL. I'm a huge NFL fan and also a huge animal lover. What he did was beyond sickening. In my opinion, he should be put in the ring with acouple dogs to see what it's like. Better yet i'll get in the ring with him!!! He'd feel the pain that he put on those dogs!

Posted by: Drew | May 21, 2009 03:05 PM

What!!? crazy. what can we do?
=].

Posted by: ashley | May 21, 2009 03:07 PM

Exucse me T. Thomas.... of course there are a lot of issues more important than dog fighting. But, do you realize that your are indeed on the PETA board?????? People here think that every single abuse, neglect, dog-fighting, etc etc etc IS important. So, if you do not think so.... then get off this board and go fight for something that you DO believe in. Geeeeez. Wake up!

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 03:23 PM

STOP CALLING WHAT HE HAS DONE A MISTAKE!
Accidentally hitting a dog with your car is a mistake. Forgetting to shut the gate and having your pet run away is a mistake. Deliberately and brutally executing dogs for gambling purposes is not a mistake. He was aware of what he was doing and would still be doing it if he was not caught. He is scum and does not deserve any more time in the NFL spotlight. If someone "mistakenly" murders innocent beings, they are obviously unhinged and should seek medical assistance before getting back in any game.

Posted by: Meg | May 21, 2009 03:25 PM

OKAY, I don't even understand why most of you people are on this site. This is a site about animal rights NOT about people so stop compairing this case to a murder or rape of a child etc.. Yes of course PETA wouldn't agree with that either but this is not their focus, and if you care about it so much then go to a site against that. PETA has accomplished a lot more than you people will in your life if it were not for PETA and organizations like it than there would be little to no animal rights in this world. What do you expect? everyone to think that there are "more important" issues in the world so just forget all of the "less important" issues, if that were the case than the world would be in kaos. This man has no remorse! It is not like he just accidently beat, drowned, hung all of these dogs one day these were planned and repeated actions! which he would still be doing if he was never caught. Also, I have to say that I am tired of people using bible refferences as a legit argument, lets not go by what the bible says for once and go by logic.. He broke the law, he enjoyed the tortue of innocent animals, so the bible says they are less than a human? Does it really matter? Personally i'm not going to let a book tell me what I already know, animals feel the EXACT same amount of pain that we do, they get scared like us too, but of course just because they don't have a voice it doesn't matter. GIVE ME A BREAK!

PETA is not against him working I'm sure but it is the fact that he is going to make millions and live a perfect glamous life after he commited these hideous actions. He does not deserve such a priveledge, and to be looked up to. By having him put into the public eye is showing that what he did really is okay. So what he served jail time? i'm sure any one of those dogs would take jail time over the torture they endured

Posted by: Jenna | May 21, 2009 03:26 PM

I am saddened to hear that Vick's incarceration has come to an end. As an avid NFL fan, I am even more sad that they will likely reinstate him. To me, this seems like a mere slap on the hand - he was probably reverred in Leavenworth! I strongly believe he should be banned from the NFL for life (why should he be given the opportunity to remake his millions? He made a huge mistake and should be severly punished for it!) and the Humane Society should lock the doors if he approached any of their facilities! His apologies are false - it is so apparent. He is merely "acting" contrite so that the NFL commissioner will think he has been reformed and reinstate him. He does not care about the crimes & cruelties he committed previously, he probably still thinks there is nothing wrong with what he did and condoned. He committed atrocious crimes against all the animals that crossed his property line and should be held accountable, FOREVER for them. What is even more sickening is that he initially stated that dogfighting was merely part of his culture - that is sick! If I see something in my own "culture" that is horrifying - I DO NOT PERPETUATE IT, I CHANGE IT! The best thing we can keep in mind is that Vick will definitely rot in Hell when his time comes - no God, regardless of what religion, would approve of that sort of selfish, cruel and beastial activity. Rot in Hell Michael Vick!

Posted by: Patricia Cheyne | May 21, 2009 03:26 PM

Mr. Thomas.. your comment was discusting. Just like you!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 03:32 PM

michael vick may have served his Court sentence, however he does not deserve any more "free rent" in our heads. he is Scum and wants to be back in the News. I believe he needs to get NO press and fade into a forgotten existence, and for a creature like him, that would be the worst punishment of all.
Thank You for reading, and...
GodSpeed to Animals...!
Gary Haun
in Tampa

Posted by: Gary Haun | May 21, 2009 03:35 PM

This is why peta gets a bad name. This man went to jail for almost two years. He lost everything (his home, his job, rep, friends, etc). it is done!

LEAVE IT ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: DCHERRY | May 21, 2009 03:41 PM

no he should not be able to play sports & earn millions of dollars! let him go get a real job & see how he likes earning barely enough to get by. he's not remorseful peeps like him don't see anything wrong w/ this type of cruelty. just goes to show you can take the boy out of the hood...but you can't take the hood out of the boy. I hope he gets his, it will probably be in his next life but he'll get it!

Posted by: kim | May 21, 2009 03:43 PM

Vick deserves a 2nd chance no doubt, he did his time and will be in the NFL making more than all of you ever will shortly so don't get jealous.

Posted by: Chase | May 21, 2009 03:44 PM

Honestly he is human like everyone here. I guarantee there isn't someone here who hasn't broke the law. Or who hasn't killed a fly or insect. Cmon give me a break. Don't get me wrong i love animals and vick deserved everything he got but damm give the men a second chance.

Posted by: sprfly392 | May 21, 2009 03:46 PM

If you kill or torture someone over and over again, you can't exactly call it a mistake, can you, Cottonquick? And oh, you are free to address all those more important issues that need our attention and please let us know what exactly you're doing in that regard. In the meantime, we're doing exactly that, addressing them at the very core of the problem.

Posted by: Croative | May 21, 2009 04:05 PM

I THINK THAT MR. VICK HAS LEARNED A VALUABLE LESSON SERVING 2 YEARS IN PRISON...LET THE MAN BE, GIVE HIM HIS CHANCE TO REPENT! THERE IS NOTHING FAVORABLE IN SUFFERING...IS THERE? I MEAN IF THERE WERE THIS SITE WOULD NOT BE HERE! PEOPLE MAKE MISTAKES...HIS SOUL IS BARE FOR ALL OF US TO SEE, IN THAT ALONE HE WILL SUFFER!

Posted by: TOTES | May 21, 2009 04:07 PM

He has payed his debt to society but needs to do more in terms of helping to stop this dog fighting nonsense. For the rest of his life, he should be a huge supporter of animal rights regardless of whether or not he ever plays in the NFL again. I think if he does that, then he should not be harrassed nor the team who gives him a chance be harrassed by dog lovers. I am an animal lover but he has a chance to right his wrongs and should be allowed to do so. I just hope he has learned something from his time away and will use this as a way to stop dog fighting. If not, I have no problems with anybody harrassing him about it.

Posted by: John H. | May 21, 2009 04:08 PM

Many people are missing the point. Yes, people should have a second chance......to start anew....not to continue on the path that led them wrong in the first place. Vick should be removed in all manner from his former life. That includes the NFL, which, whether we like to admit it or not, is a testosterone driven, violent, and decadent atmosphere. The man had millions and CHOSE to kill for sport. Let us also not forget that this was not his first brush with the law. He has issues. He should be concentrating on getting himself right and not on football and making back his millions. NFL players are notorious for beating their girlfriends, spouses, etc... and nothing is done. It's time for the NFL to step up and say "guess what, we won't tolerate this stuff, we aren't just dumb jocks, and we will kick you out for being a violent criminal". Sorry people, that includes Mr. Vick.

Posted by: Michelle | May 21, 2009 04:12 PM

Nan - your comment is both cruel and ignorant. WTF is wrong with you people. I happen to also love children and have had Megan Kenka's mom talk at my daugther's elemetary school. I am against child abuse also!!! But, wake up, this is PeTa... Do you not get it????????????????? Obviously not. Do you even know who Megan Kenka is????? Probably not.

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 04:20 PM

Mr. France... Your mentally unsound. Your absurd comment proves it. Get a life you fool!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 04:26 PM

Michael Vick is a horrible human being and should not be able to play in the NFL ever again and if he does everyone and I mean everyone needs to all making barking noises in the stands.

Posted by: Animallover | May 21, 2009 04:32 PM

But PETA wants to be the Judge,Jury and Executioner. Vick has done his time and has shown remorse for the mistake he has made with the dogs.

Your statement was so well said. I dont think anyone would say that what Michael did was right. I am an animal lover, but you guys dont have your priorities straight. We dont you stand up for children that are being tortured? I mean, come on folks there are somethings that are more important. Vick needs to distance himself from some of the friends that he grew up with. This man is very talented and shows remorse. Who named peta judge and jury. Can any of you people say that you have never made a bad mistake? I dont think that anyone can say the havent. Since you guys have so much time, research some fo the crimes that have been commited against children. There are babies that have been torturded for years. Can we start at the top then work our way down? Give this man a chance to get his life together.

Posted by: Connie | May 21, 2009 04:50 PM

deon.. wake up!!! Peta stands up for ALL animals you moron.

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 05:00 PM

Ms. Nita. Your post is ridiculous at best. Peta is not being the Judge, Jury or Executioner for Scumbag Vick. You call this a MISTAKE?????? Bouncing a ck is a mistake. Are you kidding me with your ignorant comment. Michael Vick has shown no remorse and Animals are just as important, if not more so, as Homlessness, poverty etc etc... etc..... And what the hell are you doing about all your so called passions???? Nothing. So shut the hell up. And you move on.... off the peta boards. You obvioulsy do not care about Animal Welfare!

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 05:08 PM

This is to John who thinks that we should ignore animal abuse and only purse rapists and murders. Of course we care about stopping murderers and rapists but there are thousands of agencies devoted to stopping rapists and murderers, people who fight for the victims and hunt down the guilty. There are so few ppl to defend innocent animals, if you don't agree w/PETA than why follow the cases? Of course ppl matter, but we do it to ourselves, who will be the voice for abused animals?

Posted by: Shawna | May 21, 2009 05:23 PM

I have yet to figure out why ppl who don't care about PETA and it's causes follow their cases? If you are not following the cases because you want to make a difference and stop animal abuse, than find something better to do than comment on the efforts of ppl who feel strongly about protecting animals and being their voice! You have to be sick to intently harm an innocent animal, I don't care who you are. If you don't value life and feel remorse than their is something seriously wrong with you! And I'm not talking about "feeling remorse" about being caught, I'm talking about being ill in the act (big difference)

Posted by: Shawna | May 21, 2009 05:29 PM

This goes to all the people that want to let him "get back to his life" and to Corey.... I have been raped....and yes the man in your eyes only killed and tortured dogs.... but he is the type of human being that will also rape and torture human beings. And to go with what you said about him going back into the NFL, well you are a fool if you think that is a good idea. Yeah....America let's let him be a role model for other human beings and teach them that this is okay. So maybe the person that rapes the next child, woman, man or your daughter is as sick and twisted as the man that would have a dogs teeth pulled out and strapped to a rape stand so that he could breed her, well maybe he agrees and is a Vick supporter.

Think about.... it is bigger then just the animals. It is about the morals and the values. Is that what you want your son or daughter to look up to? You talk about bigger issues... this is where it starts. It is a known fact that most psychopaths, serial killers, rapists have a history of starting their abuse on animals. Torturing them, beating them, skinning them and so on. That is where it starts.... Lets look at humans Corey.... lets start with Ted Bundy... he started off torturing and killing animals when he was younger.And we know where he ended up. So lets give him a football, 130 million dollars and on your TV every week and have him be your childs role model. That is the bigger picture. So you can take your bible stuff and your animals aren't as important as humans crap and think about it. It is the bigger picture. Also if I may mention doesn't it say somewhere in that bible of yours that you should treat all of God's creations a like. FYI: that means dogs as well!!!!

What he did is wrong and he should be punished. 18months is nothing you can get more for drugs then that. It was a really weak sentence!!! And there shouldn't be any consideration of him ever stepping foot on a football field.

Posted by: Farnoosh | May 21, 2009 05:36 PM

Hey PETA you know, I am against animal cruelty, but you really will have a hard time convincing people who see it in logical perceptions, that your proposition will do any good.

See, who's gonna pick the doc? You know? A doc is gonna be biased, just sign the paper. And even if the doc isnt biased, and is a good doctor, all Michael Vick has to do is frickin lie and stuff.. Just act sane and you'll be released from inpatient psych too.. Rehabs, act normal and they will sign that paper

So, your agenda is a waste of time Peta.. Am I wrong? Please convince me otherwise.

Posted by: Celfious | May 21, 2009 05:40 PM

This goes to all the people that want to let him "get back to his life" and to Corey.... I have been raped....and yes the man in your eyes only killed and tortured dogs.... but he is the type of human being that will also rape and torture human beings. And to go with what you said about him going back into the NFL, well you are a fool if you think that is a good idea. Yeah....America let's let him be a role model for other human beings and teach them that this is okay. So maybe the person that rapes the next child, woman, man or your daughter is as sick and twisted as the man that would have a dogs teeth pulled out and strapped to a rape stand so that he could breed her, well maybe he agrees and is a Vick supporter.

Think about.... it is bigger then just the animals. It is about the morals and the values. Is that what you want your son or daughter to look up to? You talk about bigger issues... this is where it starts. It is a known fact that most psychopaths, serial killers, rapists have a history of starting their abuse on animals. Torturing them, beating them, skinning them and so on. That is where it starts.... Lets look at humans Corey.... lets start with Ted Bundy... he started off torturing and killing animals when he was younger.And we know where he ended up. So lets give him a football, 130 million dollars and on your TV every week and have him be your childs role model. That is the bigger picture. So you can take your bible stuff and your animals aren't as important as humans crap and think about it. It is the bigger picture. Also if I may mention doesn't it say somewhere in that bible of yours that you should treat all of God's creations a like. FYI: that means dogs as well!!!!

What he did is wrong and he should be punished. 18months is nothing you can get more for drugs then that. It was a really weak sentence!!! And there shouldn't be any consideration of him ever stepping foot on a football field.

Posted by: Farnoosh | May 21, 2009 05:45 PM

Did I miss something? When did he show remorse? Because he was ordered to go to jail or pay money? I am all for him being able to play football again, but I do believe he needs to satisfy the public, Peta and the Humane society. I want to see him interviewed. I want to see him do commercials and take part in programs to help educate children that what he did was wrong. And more importantly I want him to convince me that he knows it's wrong for moral and legal reasons not just because he lost money and had to go to jail.

Posted by: Brandy | May 21, 2009 05:56 PM

I tried to post yesterday, I'm astounded my piece was judged to be unexceptable or perhaps to far out--one way or another. The conflict had to be my response to someone's verbal question, of some sort?? I said something clever, " like maybe he should have a hole in the head"-- This came right from my gut. Im certain, many people here might the same deep inside. I then began thinking... and immediately qualified my statement with ( not threatening ). There are so many noble men, women, and dogs over in Iraq. I'm certain the animals desire-the dog, is to win-to make his his master happy- or to protect him, for that matter. I guarantee this pupster knows he's risking his life for his owner. I'm certain of it. How's that for nobility-pure, just pure........ Vick should have remained in jail and not miss a day of his sentence. Danton Scholle

Posted by: Danton Scholle | May 21, 2009 05:59 PM

i want to know what is peta going to do if michael vick is accepted by an nfl team? i hope they plan to protest. he is a bad example to society. he is suppose to be a role model as other nfl players are to us adults and our children.

Posted by: myra | May 21, 2009 06:01 PM

Unfortunately, someone who will kill animals has little or no ability to experience emotions that are important to possess in a healthy society.
It would be almost impossible to rehab Micheal Vick or other people who kill innocent living things. It certainly wouldn't have occured in 23 months in prison without intensive therapy. (which I doubt he recieved). Even with tests to determine his diagnosis which seems likely to be "antisocial", (look it up on google if you don't know what that is). I personally don't want icons or people in the spot light who have it in their spirit to kill. Period. He won't be back in the NFL.

Posted by: Gail | May 21, 2009 06:02 PM

I do not understand the people that say give Michael Vick a second chance. He barely served any time for the horrific acts he did to these poor, innocent dogs. They say that serial killers begin by torturing animals. It takes a very sick mind set to look into an innocent animals eyes and torture the animal over and over again. I don't think this man is worthy of walking the streets. So, I think it's safe to say that I don't believe this predator should have the opportunity to play in the NFL...

What if he tortured one of your family members? Would you still think he deserves a second chance after barely paying for his crimes????? I'm sorry, I have a very hard time believing that Michael Vick, all of a sudden had some kind of epiphany the little time he was in jail.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a very disturbed individual!

Posted by: Danielle Kramer | May 21, 2009 06:24 PM

I think it is sad how athletes are given slack just bc of their status. Ido not for one minute think he is remorseful. He may pretend to be just so he can make millions again. He really is a sick individual. The onyl way I think he should be allowed to play is if 100% of his earnings went to PETA!!!:)

Posted by: HEIDI | May 21, 2009 06:29 PM

The idea that this individual who took pleasure in inflicting pain and suffering will soon be free to do as he pleases terrifies me. He is obviously a psychopath who lacks the capacity to empathise.

He is scum.

Those of you who say that he should be able to get on with his life - what are you smoking? Seriously. The poor dogs he abused, beat, tortured, hanged, electrocuted, drowned (need I go on?) don't have that luxury. Even those that have been "rehabilitated" will be traumatised forever.

Don't fool yourselves - if he is capable of commiting such atrocities to dogs then he is capable of doing the same to human beings.

This makes me hope that there is an afterlife, because no god would leave such terrible, sadistic acts unpunished. I mean lets face it, his stint in prison and loss of money (sob sob) comes nowhere close to the punishment he deserves.

Posted by: Marie | May 21, 2009 06:36 PM

D Cherry. YOur kidding me. Awwww. poor michael vick.. lost everything my ass. put your sympathy towards the dogs that lost their lives because of his cruel and injust dog fighting... You need a therapist sweetheart!!!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 21, 2009 07:08 PM

to Farnoosh: Im sorry for what you been thru but i still stand on what i believe. you all are already finding him guilty of killing humans because you figure your some kind of head doctor and you know whats he's thinking. And keep this in mind also there was no physical evidence that vick was even there when the dogs where killed NONE all they had was all his friends turning on him because they didnt wanna go to jail for 20 years and they may have got off and back to whatever they was doing before. all we really know vick did was let then ocuppy his property. vick pleding guilty was a chess move to lighten his sentence since all the cards were stacked against him anyway. like i said before in other countries our best friends are there favorite meals. right here in my city i can go order a dog on a menu to eat. and to the person that says we are connected to dog and they are superior and smater than other yeah right. we are more connected to monkeys and dolphins are far more smarter.And to those saying vick is a role model.it is a parents job to set the example for your child not someone on tv. nfl players are not role models they are foolball players and being in the nfl is not a privlege its a job a hard job. they didnt go out in the street and say hey you wanna play football they had to work hard and have something special within them to play.it just so happens that what they are good at pays well, over paid? yes but its supply and demand everbody cant do what they can, if there were only 20 people that could teach math they would be will be paid very well, so if the field of work vick was good at paid him a million i would a hater to get mad. if he only made 15 and hour berfore this no one would have a problem. this whole situation on both sides of opinions is sad to me. it has opened my eyes to the way someone standing right next to me feels about my life such as the way the obama camapain did it hurts my heart to know that as a people we still arent willing to help each other. how bout we pray for vick, farnoosh i pray for you and i dont even know you cause i would want rape to happen to anyone,thats a human emotion that more people can connect with cause its involves a person. i think the people who kinda down play the dog situation is because they are animals no diffrent than the animals that get hunted or slaugthered and sold in packs at walmart. zoos take animals out of their natural habitats where they are happy and put them in cages for display is that humane. I find everyone opinion intresting but how bout we pray that he do better and be better instead of wishing and praying death upon him

Posted by: corey gregory | May 21, 2009 07:27 PM

the problem I have with all of you saying "he deserves a second chance"? He has HAD a second chance, he served his time and is now out of jail. To say that Michael has shown "remorse" is, to put it simply, a stupid statement. You cannot prove that Michael Vick is honestly remorseful for his actions, as PETA said, it was likely a lie for the public.
If you honestly feel like Vick should be allowed back into the NFL, where he can earn millions and will most likely start ANOTHER round of brutal dogfights, you sicken me.
Where do we draw the line? When we start allowing men who have killed and brutalized so many animals FOR A SPORT, FOR FUN, to walk free...what's next? Do we set all the murderers loose when they show remorse (false or not), for their actions? The rapists?

Posted by: Jane | May 21, 2009 08:09 PM

Im a huge fan of the NFL and of PETA.I think Vick should not be allowed to play football in the NFL, or any other league.He is a disgrace as a person, and shouldnt be able to live a life anywhere near was his old one once was.

Posted by: Jessica | May 21, 2009 08:19 PM

I hope he fails the psyc test horribly, he hasnt spent enopugh time in jail. Dog fighting is ILLEGAL and he should suffer as much as humanly possible. He should goin the ring with his dogs and see how happy he is to go back at it again.

Posted by: Jeff Pierce | May 21, 2009 08:35 PM

Good lord people. Leave the man alone. There are people in the NFL that have been accused of murder or rape, or beating their wives, and nobody has been punished as hard as michael vick. What he did was wrong. But that doesn't mean is a psycopath who should never be allowed to be reinstated to the NFL. He has already lost fortune, his image, his prime years for the sport, and he has served his time. He served nearly TWO YEARS of his life, he has done his time, now let the man move on and go back to the NFL if he wants to.

Posted by: Zac Bruer | May 21, 2009 08:36 PM

the man did his time there are hundreds of dog fighting rings all over america the only reason this one is such a big deal is cause its mike vick leave him alone he is human being who deserves a second chance

Posted by: dez | May 21, 2009 08:38 PM

Without reading all the comments, if you're on this site you're on the same page more than likely. I wrote to Roger Goodell this afternoon personally. I encourage others to do the same. Do it now, while Vick's fate is still being determined, have friends and family do the same. There isn't a minute to waiste. He should be banned from the NFL with our without the psychological exam. Are you kidding me?

Posted by: Lynne Narez | May 21, 2009 08:39 PM

Ted Bundy raped and killed young ladies. Vick killed dogs and didnt rape them. Ted Bundy was caught and let go. Vick wants to take care of his family and play football. Ted Bundy couldnt be found on the rader. Vick will have cameras where ever he goes. Sorry for what happen to you personally, but its differ from being a kid that tourments animals, then killing them cuz they lost a fight. BIG difference. And Ted Bundy is a bad example....

Posted by: migo lito | May 21, 2009 08:54 PM

they should have sent him to a asylum he is obviously a bit of a loaner and if the put him back in the sport i will never watch it again

Posted by: sacha DALE | May 21, 2009 09:28 PM

For everyone who says that Michael Vick should not be allowed to play in the NFL again, you are the fools. Yes, he committed a cruel and horrible act, but he served his time in prison and PETA did their part in beating Vick into the ground. Now it is time to let him stand up again and give the man a second chance. I'm sure that the "full psychological evaluation" will show that Vick is remorseful. SUPPORT #7.

Posted by: Sean | May 21, 2009 10:20 PM

Your president Ms Ingrid Newkirk endorsed a Ban (extermination) of the American Pit Bull Terrier Per an article in the Pit Bull reporter. Until you renounce this statement, as far as I'm concerned whatever you have to say about Mr. Vick doesn't mean squat to me . I find that to be very hypocritical. I too own American Pit Bull Terriers

Posted by: Michael A. Graves | May 21, 2009 11:17 PM

I am glad that his position in the NFL and his money did not prevent him from paying his for his crimes! I just hope that he will educate himsel about innocent animals that rely on human beings for survival! I am disgusted!

Posted by: Madeleine | May 21, 2009 11:26 PM

Responding to:Jim Mitchell
well if people who have dogs mean that they can beat them..

what would you stand for, for the people who beat their own children?

and yes, children/people and dogs are the same thing!

we are living creatures, and like dogs we are also mammals. Isn't it crazy how animals breathe,speak,go to the bathroom,develop,feel, and more...just like US people!?!?!?!

The only reason why people think animals are of no importance is because they can't speak in a language we can understand.

how messed up is that?

well anyway,
i hope this Michael Vick bastard suffers, because there is no tolerance when it comes to torturing animals just for your own sick entertainment!!

Posted by: Erika | May 21, 2009 11:39 PM

Eric Naposki of the New England Patriots was arrested May 21, 2009 in Connecticut for a 1994 murder. But, Michael Vick spent almost two years in jail for dog fighting. John Imus, Martha Stewart and Rush Limbaugh got slap on the hand for what they did, so Michael Vick should go back to playing professional football. We can't continue to have double standards. Wow, it is so sad 2009 unequal justice still continues. But, we must keep fighting for unequal justice!

Can't Stop, Won't Stop!

Posted by: GODNME | May 21, 2009 11:58 PM

To Roxanne. If you consider them just "dogs" why are you even on this website? If can't understand the horrendous nature of this crime and speak of it in such a trivial way, then why bother posting a comment on an animal rights website?!

Michael Vick is a murderer! Plain and simple. Just because they are a different species doesn't make the crime any less shocking. I believe in "an eye for an eye." Micheal Vick, the sadist, deserves exactly what happened to those helpless dogs. Excuse my language, but F*ck Micheal Vick!

Posted by: Krystal | May 22, 2009 12:13 AM

So I guess anyone in the US has to have another chance? Why does he ruined everything in his life, for more money? Wasn't his salary enough to live a very wealthy life? No. He wanted more because he has the power. I think he should not return to the NFL, so he could be an example of what things can happen if you do things like he does.

Posted by: Ivan | May 22, 2009 12:37 AM

I am all the way over in Australia so I don't know this man from a bar of soap. But I know what is morally right and wrong. This man is a pathetic excuse for a human being and an oxygen thief. The sooner the time fits the crime the better. He has had his second chance, he got out early. This man needs to have a very close eye kept on him, he is a sociapath, he has no remorse, no feelings of right or wrong. God help any animal that has the misfortune to ever come into his care. PETA stand firm, do not waiver in your commitment to animal welfare. Just because you are famous and have lots of money is no reason to not be held accountable for your actions.

Posted by: Jennifer | May 22, 2009 12:48 AM

i've heard people talk about how animals are less than people because they don't have the intellectual capacity. what those people need to understand is that just because a being doesn't understand how or why something bad is happening to them, doesn't mean that they feel the pain any less. should humans that have mental disabilities be treated with less respect than an average person? NO! So just because animals have different or less mental capacity, it doesn't mean that they should be treated with any less respect!!!

Posted by: moe25 | May 22, 2009 01:54 AM

Mike Vick is Vile. He should NEVER play again.

Posted by: Tasha | May 22, 2009 02:30 AM

Before giving my undivided personal opinion, I would like to relay the fact that I read almost every message on here, and took in valid, organized opinions about this situation.

I, OVERALL feel giving Michael Vik another chance should not be allowed.
Yes, "he lost his house, his money, his this his that", but did he REALLY learn his lesson?
I look at it as if he were an addict.
Addicts need help, and once they have the proper help they are suddenly cured. Not at all. A majority of addicts who become sober or clean, eventually slip.
I'm just using this as an anaology.
I think he needs to show us that he has changed. If ANYONE is okay with what he did, then obviously, they are SICK in the head. So, his toys were taken, and he was thrown into jail. You honestly think that was rock-bottom for him?

There so much to say about this issue. Many people made a great point. However, if you think deep about it, do you want this man to be a hero to your son/daughter?
The last thing I'd want to hear is "Mommy, I want to be like Michael Vik."

Really?

Posted by: Leah | May 22, 2009 02:54 AM

as american, i believe in my follows citizens have a opinion on any subject they will support. i'm glad mike vick went to jail his part in this crime against dogs. but not letting any not do thier profession regardless of what it is,is wrong !! i believe that every one should work for living everyone.he on the news about what he has done,believe me he not a role model. if you think that atheletes are role models,you are screwy.they are more aggressive that the rest of normal folks.he paid his debt to americans and we will take his donation to help more animals.remorse or not,we need funds to catch more criminals not as fames too.sign tim in brooklyn

Posted by: tim clayton | May 22, 2009 03:31 AM

Wow, reading through these comments I'm absolutely appauled by a number of people. Sentencing a guy to death for animal cruelty? Really?
I'm not a religious man but doesn't the bible say "let he who is without sin cast the first stone"?
I was all for PETA ensuring animal safety but jumping on a man's back before he's even had a chance to prove if he's changed and demanding that he take a psychologic test. That isn't what PETA is meant to be and to be totally honest puts me off PETA. You have no right to tell this man what to do.
And as for telling teams not to sign him? Well that doesn't have the slightest thing to do with PETA and I hope that Goodell and all NFL Franchises ignore you completely on that.
The man made a mistake, allow him to redeem himself and in time he may even help you in your aim to make the world a better place for animals.

Posted by: Andy | May 22, 2009 06:53 AM

Please people. Dogs are animals not humans. You hold these "creatures" higher than yourselves. Vick did his time; and like all people, he deserves a second chance. You would want the same for yourself or someone in your family. If God can forgive him and give hima second chance, shouldn't you? I absolutely love animals, but i'm not going to get worked up over this. It happened, it was horrible and he paid for it. LET IT GO!!!! I'm sure you PETA people have more important stuff to worry about in your lives other than this. If you don't then thats just sad.

Posted by: Thomas Canty | May 22, 2009 07:11 AM

well Tarros Thomas!!!!!!!!!!!!, im sure that pitbull that wasnt winning thought that was a pretty important thing goin on in that moment, LOSING HIS LIFE..u r extremely inconsiderate and insensitive, i beleive u r on the wrong site, get away from here.Michawel Vick should not be given millions of dollars becAUSE he vaused lifes to be lost, it takes a certain SICK kind of person to get enjoyment from TORTURING innocent animals!!!!!!!!!Makes my stomach turn...

Posted by: Cheryl | May 22, 2009 07:22 AM

I dont know why people who clearly completly disagree with PETA's ideals bother wasting their time posting hateful and insulting comments on the message boards to be honest.What are you even doing here? Find something more productive to do with your time than spread hate. Get a life. Animals are every bit as important as people, they are living beings who feel emotion and pain just as we do. They have just as much right to live in peace on this planet that we share without fear of torture and abuse. What he did was truly awful, and i dont claim to know what should be done from here, but nobody who considers that an acceptable way to treat any being can be considered sane. End of.

Posted by: innogen | May 22, 2009 07:25 AM

I love animals and I am a Vegetarian, however people make mistakes and I hope this mistake compells Mike Vick to be in search of and find Humilty that would allow him to see that what he did was very wrong through a new outlook on life, but like a couple people wrote there are many more serious issues that are taking place, its a shame that they can have horse racing and hunting animals on tv shows but a man who does the same thing that this country has been promoting in television for hundreds of years can be held in contemp for the rest of his life its sad. Also if a horse breaks a leg during a race what happens to the horse? they kill it and thats very wrong but evreyone attends these horse races to bet on these poor animals the same as dog fighting so I think this contry is full of twisted out looks of whats right and wrong. Give him a chance to repent and search hiself to find a better him, because let those without send cast the first stone, we are all weighted down with imperfections and we dont have the right to play God so we as a people need to stop trying to and help the person who was once blind help them search for a better way.

Posted by: Scooter | May 22, 2009 08:54 AM

I love animals and I am a Vegetarian, however people make mistakes and I hope this mistake compells Mike Vick to be in search of and find Humilty that would allow him to see that what he did was very wrong through a new outlook on life, but like a couple people wrote there are many more serious issues that are taking place, its a shame that they can have horse racing and hunting animals on tv shows but a man who does the same thing that this country has been promoting in television for hundreds of years can be held in contemp for the rest of his life its sad. Also if a horse breaks a leg during a race what happens to the horse? they kill it and thats very wrong but evreyone attends these horse races to bet on these poor animals the same as dog fighting so I think this contry is full of twisted out looks of whats right and wrong. Give him a chance to repent and search hiself to find a better him, because let those without send cast the first stone, we are all weighted down with imperfections and we dont have the right to play God so we as a people need to start trying to and help the person who was once blind help them search for a better way.

Posted by: Scooter | May 22, 2009 09:03 AM

Wow, I know exactly which type of people are defending Vick's release. Just remember that the same people who "enjoy" watching this brutalization also have no conscience with other animals or humans. They typically are involved in other violent activities. Perhaps what you should all remember - Vick didn't need the money from this horrible sport - but our tax dollars pay to seek out these losers and convict them. Dog fight must be stopped for many reasons - I hope Vick is a vivid lesson to those who enjoy this sick sport. But if he is granted an easy access to the NFL, his sentence will be forgotten and the black youth who admire him will learn that - "its not so bad". He wanted to be a celebrity athlete, use his voice to teach. Do not reward him with a multi-million contract as though he is some role model. He didn't just make a mistake - he brutalized animals and profited from it. Those profits are not "taxable" income - they typically support the drug world too. Use your heads and look at the big picture -there was WAYYYY more involved here.

Posted by: CAS | May 22, 2009 09:09 AM

Also as I was sitting here this morning at my desk, I was thinking about how is it right for a police officer to have a k9 dog mauling a human being and nothing is said about that, are those dogs not being trained to kill. Just a thought, but I guess when it comes to serving and protecting its ok. My My My what a tangle web we weave. Animals in any shape or form are entitled to the same freedom that we are

Posted by: scooter | May 22, 2009 09:12 AM

How does PETA know he laughed when all this happened.Remember when all this came out he faunded we dont know if he took part in anything if he did.What he did was wrong.what more do you PETA people want from him.PETA is no better than him.PETA is kicking him while he is down.He lost the sport he loves to play.How can you all say "Until Michael Vick undergoes the rigorous psychiatric tests now available to determine his ability to experience remorse, there's no way to establish whether he will reoffend".you dont need a test to show if someone feels any remorse or not.He lost every thing in this last two years anybody can see he does.

Posted by: Andy Olivarez | May 22, 2009 09:13 AM

Michael Vick should be allowed to work in the NFL again, he should be given a job hand washing sweaty, used jockstraps by hand.

If a postal worker or teacher or bank teller or cashier had the same legal issues as Michael Vick; would they be allowed to return to their jobs after spending time in prison?

Why is Michael Vick allowed another chance when thousands of convicted felons; some convicted of non-violent crimes; are rejected for jobs less high profile than NFL football player.

O.J. was acquitted of murder charges, when he "pays his debt to society"; should be held by the hand and given an endorsement deal?

Posted by: David Kennedy Polanco | May 22, 2009 09:17 AM

I have been a member for only a short time, this is a little confusing to me.
What he did was WRONG!

But how do we know he doesn't show remorse?

It is a little alarming reading some of this VERY HOSTILE comments!

Posted by: brad | May 22, 2009 09:19 AM

I can certainly understand why individuals (especially PETA) would not want Michael Vick in the NFL, but I find myself taking exception with the notion that anyone is "letting" Michael Vick be a role model simply through his presence in the NFL.

The choices that children make in terms of their role model are, in my opnion, the responsibility of their parents. If your children decide to look up to someone like Michael Vick as a role model simply because he has a quarterback in the NFL, then that's on you.

If you are against Vick being reinstated by the NFL, that is fine and I completely understand your viewpoint. However, I would recommend that we divorce the "role model" argument from the issue. To me, it already seems that too many children in this country have been raised through the television and the celebrities they see on the television.

Posted by: Ray | May 22, 2009 09:23 AM

Being a falcons fan and long time atlanta metro area resident, this story was the talk of the town in 07. But more so the way most of those dogs have been rehabilitated thats the real story. From furious fighters to kind loving family pets is just a testiment to their change. Vick will end up with a chance to play again, but hopefully he will change his ways. I'm a vegetarian and I hate what they do to animals in slaughter houses but everyone deserves a second chance.

Posted by: Quintin | May 22, 2009 09:43 AM

You people are absurd, and to be honest frankly im disgusted in PETA. An animals life has no equivalence to a humans. Humans effect untold amounts of people every day, and over a lifetime universally eclipses what an animal does for a family.

You can also stop trying to say "What if it was a human?" It wasn't and that isn't what happened. I dont see anyone here up in arms over what Chris Brown did to Rihanna.

Was it inhumane to hurt those dogs? Yes. Was he brought up in that kind of society? Very likely, its not farfetched to think he was brought up in an area where illegal dog fighting was "normal".

Lastly for whoever supports PETA, do you honestly think your winning people over doing this? Do you think trying to vindictive to a man who has lost more money than PETA has probably raised since its inception and recieved jail time is justice? All your doing is losing support for your cause, Michael Vick is a great athlete and millions would love to see him bounce back from his turmoils. Leave the man in peace, he doesnt need your stupidity affecting his or his families lives even worse than it already has

Posted by: Nick J | May 22, 2009 09:47 AM

Honestly. PETA Supporters are getting a little to carried away here. I am a dog lover. I have my little Beagle, who is just as part of my life as the rest of my family. What Michael Vick did was wrong, No Doubt about that. But all this specualtion of this and that needs to really stop. Again coming from a Pet Owner, Michael Vick, was unfortunatley made an example of. Dogfighting is horrific and horrible. But it's going on all OVER THE WORLD. Not just dog fighting, how about the random dog killings in China? Is that false? The man has done his time and has moved on and to anyone who believes that He hasn't changed, maybe you should go to prison yourself and see what happends afterwards. Michael Vick, has done his time, and is ready to come back to the NFL. Michael Vick, will be Reinstated in the NFL, whether people like it or not. You can't take away a man's passion for the game because of a stupid mistake he made. The Truth is, that NO ONE really know's the TRUTH about what really went down. Yes it was VICKS property, but 9/10 he wasn't even there. Im tired of all these people criticizing a man for his mistakes, like everyone are angels. Please, stop bickering and simply move on.

Posted by: Joe | May 22, 2009 10:12 AM

i am wholeheartedly disgusted at how such a cruel,nasty excuse for a human being can be released.what an insult! it isnt a question of if he will reoffend but where,when and why! why are some people so stupid? how many animals did he maim and kill? i can stand up for myself,an animal cant

Posted by: kathryn mellor | May 22, 2009 10:33 AM

Ditto J.O. - well said - he is obviously clueless and you did an excellent job of trying to explain the situation to him.

Posted by: Kathryn Thomson | May 22, 2009 10:40 AM

no second chance, what he did to those dogs was unforgivable, end of

Posted by: zoe | May 22, 2009 10:44 AM

Brad.

How do you know that he is remorseful?

Posted by: Elleng | May 22, 2009 10:45 AM

I am sick of the attitude that a lot of football players have, that they are Gods and can do whatever they want, and get away with it.
No he shouldn't play again!!!It's EXAMPLE TIME!!!!

Posted by: Yvonne | May 22, 2009 11:11 AM

Michael Vick is a coward...plain and simple. Any man that needs to show his worth by having two animals that are not given a choice fight to the death is a coward. Why doesn't Vick and someone, say on death row, fight to the death for money if he is that in desperate need of cash?

I'm sorry but people that are not man enough themselves to do the things they ask others to do are cowards! Hence President Bush...sending our troops over to die so he could impress daddy and he himself was AWOL from the air national guard, which in being in the military is probably the easiest of all the branches...

I hope that Vick is not allowed to do what he loves ever again...because those dogs that died don't have the ability to do what they love again... they didn't have a choice or a chance...i don't think he should either

Posted by: J Weisen | May 22, 2009 11:33 AM

people that dont disagree wit micheal vick,
you keep saying there is alot more important things in the world than dog fights right? you could be right but if we ignore this problem than whats going to happen to the rest of the animals. or whats going to happen to the lifes of pitbulls around the world?heartless criminals would think its fine to fight "dogs" so why not make other animals fight too! and thats were we wana change that! we want to open peoples eyes and show its not right for animals to be forced to fight for there life!

if you cant see what we are trying to inform than maybe your the one to blame, were trying to show people ALL the cruelty to animals that people has been doing and have been getting not prison time but just a small slap on the wrist.

Posted by: jessica garcia | May 22, 2009 11:39 AM

Michael Vick is sick individual and nobody like that should deserve to be looked up to as a role model and make millions of dollars. He should be in a mental institution.

Posted by: Kevin | May 22, 2009 12:16 PM

I can't stand it when people try to divert the subject by saying, "what about the homeless, the seals, let's move on to more important things, etc".

Yes, those are topics that are important as well but we are discussing Michael Vick and his participation in dog fighting.

If you want to talk about homeless people, China, and other atrocities then go find a different post. Quit trying to minimize this topic.

Posted by: Tamra | May 22, 2009 12:37 PM

what mike vick did is wrong!

Posted by: berk anderson | May 22, 2009 03:11 PM

He should be allowed to play football again. Let talk about horses and how they are abused (steroids for racing). He did the punishment for his Crime. What Peta need to do is target states that make dog fighting legal.

Posted by: keith | May 22, 2009 03:28 PM

I respect PETA's stand, but I REALLY like what the HSUS's doing, especially the hands-on training classes in urban Chicago. It's a more complete approach. We need REAL change, reaching these young men & their dogs.

Posted by: Alethea V. White | May 22, 2009 03:29 PM

I do not condone what Mike Vick did. I believe it was horrible and wrong. Now, I am tired of people lashing out at him. He should be allowed to play in the NFL. Ray Lewis plays in the NFL, was never suspended and was on trial for a double homicide! He pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of obstruction of justice. Which means he hindered the investigation of a double murder. Now, they are just dogs not people. Some people even eat dogs! We kill thousands of cows everyday, and if we were in India that would be considered a horrible act since they worship the cow. The only reason PETA is all over Vick is because they can get some free publicity at his expense. If PETA and the media would never have aired his problems/crimes on the T.V., the internet, and in newspapers/magazines our children would have never know about what he did. Therefore they wouldn't learn about dog fighting/murders. So in essence PETA has contributed to the negative influence on our kids. Just let the man be. He got caught, paid the consequences, and has to live with what he did and the results of his decisions.

Posted by: berk anderson | May 22, 2009 03:44 PM

I really hope none of you Anti-Vick people are Christians. If God treated us the way you are treating Vick, then none of you would go to Heaven. The man made a mistake and he paid a penalty for the mistake. It's always easy to condemn someone when their crimes/sins are made public. Let he/she who is without sin cast the first stone, otherwise forgive him and move on.

Posted by: Ricki | May 22, 2009 04:00 PM

What kind of world do we live in where we allow men like this to be wealthy, powerful role models for our young children? He isn’t sorry for what he did, people who are that uncompassionate are never sorry.

Posted by: Lindsey | May 22, 2009 04:55 PM

this guy should NEVER EVER be allowed to play football..seriously who does this to animals..FREAKS AND SICKOS that who..he should be put in the ring to fight against his will and see how he likes it..i bet he wouldnt.what mike vick did is wrong! i dont care what any of you say he should NOT be allowed to play football anymore.Any man that needs to show his worth by having two animals that are not given a choice fight to the death is a coward.A dog is like a part of someones family.no dog or any other animal should have to suffer this..under no circumstances should this be ok! and shame on you if you actually think it is ok for this guy to go out and make two dogs fight each other..it is sick and disgusting!!

Posted by: lyndsey channell | May 22, 2009 04:57 PM

What I find ironic is that there are people here who believe that Vick should've died for what he did. I admit it's heinous; HOWEVER, wishing that on another human being is being EXACTLY the person you are condemning.

And, what makes PETA think that they can get the NFL to not sign Vick? If they want him back, that's their choice. He has to go through the training and signing as everyone else who dreams of being on the team. We've seen in baseball players such as Sosa practically removed from the sport because a team has terminated their contract and others will not hire him. Others, such as Manny Rodriguez, have a bad temper (among other issues as we've found out) and get signed by a team needing the attention. And trust me - the LA Dodgers have gotten it in both ways.

My point is - look at it like this: if this were a PETA person committing a crime (i.e. arson by setting a lab that uses animal testing on fire), you'd be saying "Give them a chance." But, this is someone who committed the crime of dogfighting and it's hang his anatomy on the wall. You also condemn him and say he won't change - HOW DO YOU KNOW?! You don't - so stop condemning him.

Seriously PETA - if you want him to go away, don't do things like this - it only draws attention to him. Like Manny.

Posted by: mac | May 22, 2009 05:20 PM

You're on crack if ANYONE thinks this thug has "served his time"...you don't need a degree in psychology to know he is a piece of heartless trash.

Posted by: Elizabeth Daniel | May 22, 2009 05:25 PM

an another thing most of the poeple that are against him returning to the NFL are whites.. not to say that there are some black people who want the same. if you asked any urban kids if they care or if he shouldnt be able to play they would say they dont care.. its a dog.. he didnt commit murder.. we had a president that got oral sex in the white house, should kids not want to be president.. we had a president that was dumb as a door nob should we tell our kids not to study.. so when you say he's not a role model remember where you standards are coming from.. to thy own self be true.. an most of the people are not, they are just talking out their ass. cause they can.. everyone deserves the right to pursue happiness an no organization should get involve with that.. he was convict served his time now let him live.. remember we bomb countries for less.. PRIDE IS DANGEROUS PETA.. an GOD DONT LIKE UGLY

Posted by: Manny | May 22, 2009 05:27 PM

ive looked at these posts and feel some people are missing a point,the enjoyment he got from see the pain he caused to the animals.the fact is it has been know that kids who were crule to animals ,a lot of them grew up to be crule to other people in some way,what happens when the thrill of dog fighting runs out for him?if wanted to win with his dogs why not agility,but that would mean he would have to be kind,which hes not.

Posted by: rosie | May 22, 2009 05:52 PM

Firstly--I thank Peta for posting my second piece. I scooped up a pitbull from the sometimes harsh streets of the Bronx, NYC. Within days he was deep in my heart. I loved him so, and well up now as I write.....The dog was not house trained. After a brief determination period-I came out on top as the "alpha"--although he loved to test me. As if to say, "c'mon Dan I just gave u the alpha thing-and u know it"....I do know it. He got me out of at least a couple of tough situations-He just knew we were in a tough situation-he looked up at me (because I come first). He saw, somehow(extraordinary senses-dogs have), me giving him permission to take a turn, and make us safe.( not biting people ) He was a proud dog, loved me Not to any kind of nutty extreme, or anything like that. I had romances and he didn't bug the girl--maybe once. Frankly I think the dog, was right-lol Prince, usually Princie, occasionally, Princeton or Sir Princeton. Simply he loved me, and this love along the wonderful natural, noble, protection, instinct this breed runs by-made for an excellent relationship. We shared a mutual admiration society-lol. How excellent.....Now I need to answer and say a few things to all of the earthlings(Peta people) and to the rest--- all those clomoring to give Vick-- a Universal, colossal, criminal-- a second chance. Vick is not in the catagory for second chances.. That's how large his crimes go......If you cannot see that clearly--I dont want u anywhere near me. It might be right, and maybe even fun, for Vick to get his just deserts. We'd feed Vick gun powder--as they do the dogs--and escort him into the ring-- with maybe only Sir princeton..--that would do it -but Vick is such a big strong athlete-add a couple of more dogs. I dont mean to be gross but--It would end bad--a "yucky" seen for Mr. Vick. Tsk-Tsk......Just a note: For all those losing dogs and maybe other pets there are get togethers with others experiencing the same terrible pain pain that non- of these 2nd chancers can seem to feel feel?? I wish I had this when I lost my pup to prostrate cancer. I probably wouldn'y have to be writing this now(hmmm interesting ).

Posted by: danton Scholle | May 22, 2009 05:53 PM

I too am a dog lover. I do not fight my dog. I and many other people agree that dog fighting for sport or entertainment is wrong. So Vick was wrong and so many other people out in society are wrong and do far much more worst things like commit human murder, torture human being, rape. Where is PETA when these things happen? In case you don't know people are living creatures too. They can't say they don't know. It's all in the papers, TV and news. Some of these blog have mention that Vick need to be done like those dogs. Well I say that these people are no better than what they think of Vick. Might in fact they are worse and to me they are inhumane. They want him harm just like they protest against him harming those dogs. I think it is a shame to have no regards for human life but have regards for animal life. Human life means less to them than animal life. Vick has been made an escapegoat for an issue that PETA and the whole world know exist and have existed for years and still exist. If you're to place this much emphasizes in Vick wrong doings then you better include all the hunters, fishermans, they are people that take living creatures life too. It is wrong to deny this man a right to make a living. It is wrong to deny him the right to take care of his family and provide for his family. I bet or know that if Vick had committed a murder or torture another human being PETA or these so called animal lovers and people that support PETA would not break breathe on that issue. There would not be any protest done. He served his time. He paid his debt according to the law. When any orgaization that value a animal life over a human life , I think they are the ones that need psychic evaluation more so than Vick which PETA thinks need that evaluation. You go into any grocery store there is a meat department and see beef, chicken, pork and these animals are killed, slaughter and butchered. I do not see PETA making any protest on that or at a local grocery store protesting. I am sure of its supporters shop for meat and eat it. So don't just use Vick and an issue that has been happening for years. Go after all and put their character out there and damage it like Vick. Lock them up in prison too. I will tell you htat you bette get more money to built more prison because it will get filled very quick. Again I think htat cruelty to animals is wrong but I wopuld not substite a human life for a animal life. For For the record there are more people out that support Vick and want Vick to go on with his life and many sports fans want him back in football. So leave the guy alone.

Posted by: ricky | May 22, 2009 07:00 PM

Being cruel to ANYTHING that BREATHES is unacceptable. If you have to get your frustrations out, punch a pillow! Why the need to hit or hurt something that can feel what you do? And then you feel BETTER because of it? God bless you, PETA. Michael "D**khead" Vick is despicable and should still be in prison.

Posted by: Lynn Knott | May 22, 2009 07:06 PM

Listen here all you anti-Vick people. The guy did his time and did not recieve any special treatment. He should be re-instated and allowed to play football again. His football career should not be dictated by PETA, it's associates, or supporters. I am a dog lover my self and would never do what he did. But this goes on all the time and it takes a famous person to bring so much attention to this? Back off!

Posted by: T.J. Guillot | May 22, 2009 07:42 PM

Amen,Lyndsey--very well put.

Posted by: danton scholle | May 22, 2009 08:34 PM

I am NEW to PETA, can tell you this some of the members are AS HOSTILE as Michael Vick.

That is a HUGE RED FLAG! I joined to help animals, NOT spew my anger at others!

Posted by: brad | May 22, 2009 09:40 PM

@ corey gregory No one said that rapists and murderers SHOULD go free. The fact that they do is a huge flaw in our system. But just because your criminal went free doesn't mean all criminals should go free. All criminals, no matter who they hurt, should be in prison. People should be kind to animals and fellow humans. If they don't, they deserve to be punished. Period.

Posted by: Julia | May 22, 2009 09:49 PM

@Joe Torres, Not all of us care about what the bible says...and maybe there's a reason some of us aren't religious, if the bible and a "fair and loving god" don't care about dogs. Think about it from all sides before you make judgments about the people on this thread. Not everyone here is a bible-hugger.

Posted by: Julia | May 22, 2009 09:53 PM

Oh yeah he's lost SOOO much money and his fame! Boo f***in whoo! Maybe now he should try to get a normal job like the rest of us and live the poor life! I don't have one shread of sympathy for this man. There are consequences for irresponsible actions and sometimes they suck, should've thought of that before he decided to torture dogs! Plus he isn't that great of a quarterback anyway, so get over it!! He should be bagging your groceries at your local store, not in the limelight playing a game that some decent people would die for to play!

Posted by: MS | May 22, 2009 10:17 PM

mr. jim bob... um... your a jerk. and your statement deserves to be banned.... You get an F for ignorance.

Posted by: carla c | May 22, 2009 10:51 PM

Joe Torres.. You are a joke. Human life means more than animal life? Are you for f.. real???? Animals lives are just as precious as human life is. And who the hell are to state otherwise.... your comment was ignorant and stupid. This, is not our earth. You are a clueless human being, among many...... get a life you jerk.

Posted by: carla | May 22, 2009 10:58 PM

Ricky..your comment was just plain stupid. Michael Vick is a sick Mf'er... he used dogs at his advantage to make money. Do you not get it. ?????????? This is a man who made a ton of money off the NFL and it was not enough so that he went out and found innocent dogs to make more money for him. What is wrong with some of the people on this board to think that this scum of the earth just made a mistake? This was no mistake. This was planned, this was thought out. and he had no problem killing the dogs that did not make him money. This was not a MISTAKE. People who support M. Vick aka a**hole... are just as low as him...... And you all discust me............

Posted by: carla | May 22, 2009 11:09 PM

Mr. Nick J... well you have no place on earth either because your not human either with your dumb ass statement.. and You have no place with our beloved animals because quite frankly I would rescue them before I would rescue someone like you from a locomotive....... get it? good!!!! don't ever put your dumb a** statements on Peta stating that animals are less than humans because Mr. your in the wrong place. So leave your Mark somewhere else because your not welcome here.. because see.. we love animals here on this site .. so move it or looooose it.!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 22, 2009 11:19 PM

Ok people, here's the deal... I've heard some of you say that dog fighting and animal cruelty is going on all over the world and he (Michael Vick) did his time and we should stop getting so worked up over it and let him live his life.
If no one stood up for these poor animals then what would this world be like? We are their voice. They rely on us.
So NO, Michael Vick did not do his time for the torture, hang on let me say that again, TORTURE he put these poor dogs through.
Maybe some of you need to watch more of the videos to really see what these INNOCENT animals had to go through.
I will say it again. Someone that can listen to the screams of the dogs and watch their flesh being torn from their body and like it and do it over and over again is a VERY disturbed individual that needs some serious help!!!

Posted by: Danielle Kramer | May 22, 2009 11:19 PM

Peta is suppose to be about the welfare of animals changing peoples behavior towards animals and how they treat them. Here they have the perfect chance to show they can change the way someone views and treats animals, who is famous and could make an impact on the youth of today growing up in the same kinds of neighborhoods as Vick did. who better to tell our children how wrong it is than someone who actually lived the life of the Leader of the dogfighting pack. If anyone could explain how wrong it is and what it can do to your life he could. He may not be the type to have an emotional attachment for animals but he still has a point of view to tell our children which in turn gives the ones with no compassion for animals who grew up in the areas where animals are considered a sport what dogfighting and cruelty to animal can do to your life. I am sure if Peta tried hard enough they could even make Vick have an emotion or two on animals treat Vick with a therapy dog. Be smart and use this as an opprutunity instead of a way to act like your going to change things by badmouthing him. We all know what he did and I would say 90 percent of us think yeah something else should be done but if you used your imaginations, brains and creativity you could utilize Vick in a way that would help your cause alot more. Show the kind of power that does make a diffrence instead of prancing around naked with pictures of chicken blood scaring young children to death and having children think your some kind of freaky pedophile that your parents warned you about. Which for a fact my daughter believed of you when she saw one of your magazines. You could have been a role model for her instead I was. That shock tactics only work on those with a guilty conscience. You can't change the world like that. Take the opprutunity to change Vick who was in the national spotlight for stupidity his cruelty and crimes that will always be remembered heck make him by court order pay a portion of his earnings to local animal rescue groups who never have enough moeny or county run shelter who have to euthanize at least 80 percent of the animals taken in for lack of space food and employees. If a percentage was taken out of him for say 10 years it will have more of an impact on improving the lives of animals than it will if you let the chance slip away. If he can't empathize an animals plight or understand how wrong he was at least he will know what its like to PAY. And your other dogfighters will know hey get caught doing this its jail and a percentage of your pay when you get out. Mandatory kennel cleaning etc. there are so many ideas to utilize this crime for the good of animals if you just think. And if your to afraid his physco dog killing spree may arise in him while being around animals to help your cause then have him promote food drive money drives for shelter who have taken in dogfighting animals.

Posted by: Tamara | May 23, 2009 03:36 AM

What that SLIMY scumbag did is inexcusable and I believe that his time served wasn't even remotely close to the length that he should have.
He deserves to ROT in jail for the rest of his life for all of the innocent lives that he greedily stole for his own amusement. You people that dismiss it as "just dogs" are as low as he is, especially since you seem to be driven by equally greedy motives(seeing him play in football again.)

Posted by: Hoshimaru | May 23, 2009 07:41 AM

All I needed to know to be completey sure that Vick needs serious help is the dog-fighting incidents. I really don't care if he plays football again. It's apples and oranges. My mind was struck with horror when I heard of his crimes. Perhaps I am not thinking correctly as each day I relive the dogs' cutting into each others flesh, with sharp teeth biting, tearing into their skin and fur. I still feel their pain and can't stop thinking about it, wishing somehow they didn't suffer, but they did. Whoever wrote that dogs are animals, not humans needs psychiatric help. I can't even read all of the details of Vick and his life. It is a waste of time. I've moved forward, and the real focus here should be to help animals in any way I can. People who abuse, kill domesticated animals are in a world different than mine.
Unfortunately, there are people in the world who don't seem to have feelings of love caring, and respect for others including the animal kingdom, instead use their human powers for control and money. I wish for Vick that he learns to live with the gift of caring. I wish for Vick that he grows to understand remorse. I forgive him. Again, my thoughts are with the dogs, not football.

Posted by: chris | May 23, 2009 11:59 AM

I think this is completely barbaric. Vick is just barely a human being. Barely.He completely disgusts me. Anyone who watches any animal get mauled and killed and thinks it funny deserves no respect whatsoever. I doubt he's even changed his mind after what he did. He should suffer just like the animals he killed suffered, not with a multi-million dollar contract and being able to live in a huge mansion while having the oppurtunity to commit the same crime AGAIN.

Posted by: Aislinn | May 23, 2009 01:00 PM

you people are all Quacks (no Ducks were harmed). why should one bad thing this man did stand in the way of his career. i Gaurentee there are all things everyone of you regret doing, same as Mike Vick. Dont get me wrong what he did was wrong, but he served his time. Let him Return to the NFL on a tollerance pollicy.

Posted by: anonymous | May 23, 2009 01:13 PM

If Micheal Vick has become a person for the ethical treatment of animals, why should he not be able to move forward?

Why keep people alive if you don't believe they can change, or you want to make them feel like their changes have been insignificant?

The animals are dead, but he is still here. I think he should remain in the NFL and become a role model for children so that they will not be cruel to animals.

All of the kids know what he went to jail for. They will be reminded of what he did, but they also may see that he could be the BEST spokesperson in the NFL for animal rights.

Posted by: Dynamite Soul | May 23, 2009 01:38 PM

The man was found guilty and served his time.

Anyone who suggests that he should not be allowed to earn a living as a football player is ridiculous. If he was a veterinarian or someone whose occupation dealt with the well-being of animals, then that would represent a logical argument.

Posted by: Troy A. Lambert | May 23, 2009 01:57 PM

Yes Dog fighting is a bad move
but he didnot kill them on a football field , one has nothing to do with the other. He served his time ,NOW PLAY BALL !!!!! he,he,he

Posted by: Les White | May 23, 2009 02:07 PM

PEOPLE, PEOPLE...

How about channeling anger into a broader campaign against animal fighting, and work to strengthen laws and to build programs to attack the problem at its root. How about creating intervention programs targeting inner city youth (where dog fighting mostly occurs). Work with legislators to strengthen laws and create stiffer penalties? Look at the bigger picture i.e. REFORM!!

NAH, it's just easier to yell at Michael Vick. What does THAT do to help dogs?

Posted by: kate nyc | May 23, 2009 02:23 PM

Scuse me mr. joe (post on May 22nd) Michael Vick should not be allowed ever to play football ever again. He is a scumbag.

Posted by: carla | May 23, 2009 02:51 PM

seriously? people have nothing better to do than post asinine things about a murderer because they think he's a good football player? take a look at most well-known serial killers; they all started off torturing animals and killing them because they knew there would not be any repercussions. then when they did the same to humans, everyone is somehow shocked. the bottom line, no matter how much you like or dislike PETA (why are you even wasting time on this website instead of fixing the "bigger problems"?), this man is a murderer and he got away with a slap on the wrist for his actions. a lot of people feel the justice system failed here as it fails to protect those who would rape a little girl and get out in a year. it is inherently flawed and people have every right to complain about it's outcome! we're in a so called democracy after all.

when he is in the headlines again for an act of power and violence against humans, let his apologists try to defend him then.

Posted by: irma vep | May 23, 2009 03:20 PM

And lets not forget, that both PETA AND HSUS were in FAVOR of putting all dogs rescued from Michael Vick to "sleep", when almost all of them are living out the rest of their days in loving homes and sanctuaries. While it's true that there are many animals that need homes compared to those who will open their doors to them, that is no excuse for the position of putting healthy animals who are not in pain "out of their misery" before even a genuine attempt at an alternative is found. there are also many shelters and sanctuaries who provide this alternative that are in danger of PERMANENTLY CLOSING THEIR DOORS DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING! instead of feeling defeated or sitting in front of your computers, please try donating or volunteering at one in your area.

Posted by: irma vep | May 23, 2009 03:36 PM

I do not think he should have been treated the way he has. We all know people have done worse. Just because of who he is does not gives us the right to use him as an example. peta says he needs a psychological evaluation. I say for what? He not crazy. He's not running around jumping in other peoples back yards and killing there dogs. Is he bbqing the dogs. No. he does not need to be evaluated. I hope he makes a return to the NFL.. I like what one bloger said. He said,"do you know what peta stands for" People Eating Tasty Animals" And by the way.. I have dogs, and i love them very much.. but you (peta) should let the Vick thing go.. People will embrace him when and if he returns back to the NFL.

Posted by: Eric | May 23, 2009 04:41 PM

TO THINK MY KIDS LOOK UP TO THESE GUYS!!!! BIG BAD FOOTBALL PLAYER NEEDS TO PICK ON AND ABUSE ANIMALS TO FEEL LIKE A REAL MAN..GOD NEVER SLEEPS..WHATS THAT SAYING ? THE HOUNDS OF HELL?
THEY WILL BE WAITING FOR YOU

Posted by: SHERRIE LABRODE | May 23, 2009 05:29 PM

Point of interest: I'm not a big blogger but I have posted here and there--so I do have some experience. It seems to me that most people here are not really communicating--and therefore -perhaps not even reading the other posts--Nobody makes references to anyone else's thought. This may simply mean this is a difficult subject for true animal lovers and they just want to get out their own thoughts, venom.......thereby-exorcising, the demon Vick. Vick from their minds

Posted by: Danton Scholle | May 23, 2009 08:50 PM

you people are lost. Why is there no such outrage when humans are mistreated and killed.

Posted by: Gerry Esposito | May 23, 2009 10:05 PM

this guy is a f**king monster and i think an example should be made of him. he should truly pay for all the pain he caused. this should be the end of his sports career, right to own animals, and he should lose millions, and go to his f**king jail cell

Posted by: julie | May 23, 2009 10:47 PM

The man served his time for the crime. Seems that people get more upset about animals than about people. Still, I do not condone killing animals just for sport.

Posted by: crazy | May 24, 2009 12:33 AM

Out so soon???!!!! Less than 2 yrs.???!!! What are we coming down to? Is this what pressure and influences from certain people can do???!!! If it had been one of the under privileged ones (like the majority of us) we would be behind bars until God knows when. Michael Vicks is disgusting, a criminal, a murderer and sick. If he passes those pshychological tests I would be amazed! Or would it come down to who he knows and all the pressure behind this? And if the NFL lets him back in again it would make me ill just to see how little compassion exists towards our wonderful pets and that the NFL would support him - is it all about money??!!

Posted by: Linda | May 24, 2009 01:00 AM

Who would want to be a part of Peta? Vick's mistakes led me to the site, but when I read comments of he should be put to death or not allowed to work.

Too many crazy people remarks that aren't monitored.

Posted by: Reggie | May 24, 2009 01:45 AM

Michael Vick must be held accountable and be punished for his despicable actions. In my opinion the NFL should never even look at him again and completely wash their hands of the scumbag. He has proven himself to be a man of cruelty and utter selfishness. It takes a real cold hearted person to deliberately hurt another being. The family pets that trusted him and the dogs that were trained to fight and denied any decency and love deserve justice. I heard Vick was volunteering at a humane shelter. I want that pathetic excuse for a human being to never be near and animal or even a centipede ever again. He cannot be trusted with any life form due to his actions of complete maliciousness. What a disgrace to mankind

Posted by: Lisa | May 24, 2009 03:08 AM

I was watching Sportscenter on ESPN, and there are teams waiting on the chance to signed him. He's a great Quarterback, and im ready to see him back in the game.

Posted by: Jake | May 24, 2009 11:00 AM

Peta you lose my support as a animal welfare group for your support of Mike Vick. All you that say you are christians here in this blog that say we should forgive. Yes, we should forgive but we should not allow him to go back making millions. His little 1 year in jail is not enough. Oh, you vipers you have not read the old testament where God commands man to take care of his animals and very few animals did he say you could eat. All of us fall short and have broken Gods commandments thru Christ we are forgiven but every action has a reaction and time is not served for M.Vick Thanks, arkansaspitbull

Posted by: arkansaspitbull | May 24, 2009 11:13 AM

I don't get how so many people are even on this website supporting Michael Vick. You should be watching ESPN. I think you are defeating the purpose of this website. If you are reading these articles then you were on this website for a reason. Which should be to support. Not supporting the people in the articles. Get your heads out of your a**es.

Posted by: Danielle | May 24, 2009 01:00 PM

no matter what the argument on either side of the matter is everyone seems to have compleatly forgotten that the way most serial killers and rapist start out their cruel ways is by torturing animals. i don't think Vic should have spent a day in prison. he should have been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in a mental hospital with the rest of the psycopaths were he belongs.

Posted by: ashley spradley | May 24, 2009 01:22 PM

Hasn't it been a proven that people who torture animals, or kill animals for pleasure have the mental capabilities to kill another human being? There usually is a direct link. Is there not?
Yes, America is a nation of bleeding hearts. However, would we allow Scott Peterson a shot at making over millions of dollars a year? Would we allow a repeat sex offender the opportunity to make a six figure income? Man, I seriously hope not! Here you have a "man" who was given the chance to put his so called talents in the spotlight and have the privilege to play for the NFL organization and make millions. No, NFL players are NOT heroes, nor are they role models. They are players. But the fact still remains that they are in the public eye and need to follow a certain code of conduct! Michael Vick proved that he cannot be in the spotlight as a positive influence on our young, and has proved to disgust all the dog lovers of our country! If Roger Goodell allows him to play again in the NFL, he will completely change my opinion of him as well as many other football fans in the US. Let's watch the weekly game ratings if Vick is allowed to play again. It will be like watching your 401K!

Posted by: Stephanie | May 24, 2009 01:52 PM

Ricki... Your comment here on the Peta board was Pathetic to say the least. Vick paid for his Crime?? LMAO! Heaven??? Is there such a thing??? Please... Michael Vick should be hung by the Ba......s!!!!! He is a coward, and a poor excuse, like everyone who abuses or uses animals for ANY reason. I hope he rots in hell.

Posted by: Carla | May 24, 2009 02:21 PM

This pig does NOT deserve another chance!!!

Posted by: canecanem | May 24, 2009 04:48 PM

HSUS is the org that's actually being productive about this. They're working towards educating people in inner city communities about the perils of dogfighting and encourage people with pitbulls to attend weekly training classes that teach everything from basic obedience commands to advanced agility.

Watching their pit bulls perform physical feats helps the young men see the animals as FRIENDS not fighters. The LIFE CHANGING training—combined with unconditional love from the dogs—forges an unbreakable bond.

This is what will help dogs in the long run, not hating and yelling at Michael Vick. anymore, bu

Posted by: kate nyc | May 24, 2009 05:36 PM

Who cares about the
pits. A person has to pay extra money to own a pit just to have them covered by an insurance company. Vick was doing a favor and saving peoples lives. Which by the way are way more important than 8 mean pit bulls. Let him back to the NFL. Just because you PETA vegetarians know nothing about drinking beer and eating a MEAT hot dog while watching sports, doesn't mean you have to make all the NORMAL people in this world suffer by keeping this great entertainer out of the publics eye.

Posted by: John Douglass | May 24, 2009 06:12 PM

Wow some of you people are really hard.. I am always of the belief that people deserve a second, third, fourth, and even a seventh chance, not in their whole lives, but in just ONE DAY.

I'm a believer in Jesus Christ, and HE said that if someone sins against you 7 times in ONE DAY and comes back and asks forgiveness, then you must forgive him every single time.

If you don't forgive and let go of this, then God will also judge you according to the same you've judged Michael Vick. I believe he deserves another chance like anyone else would want. All of us here have made some terrible decisions in life.

What if someone said that just because you made those bad choices that you could never do the thing you love the most anymore? Think about this before you say anything else.

Posted by: Mark | May 24, 2009 06:22 PM

Michael Vick goes to jail but long time Pit Bull breeder Floyd Boudreaux (founder of the Boudreaux pitt bull bloodline) is recently acquitted of ALL Dogfighting Charges! This fiasco all but makes PETA look quirky and fanatical with a double standard, all but insuring that the cause will remain primarily white, upper class and irrelevant to the vast majority of people of color on this planet. We'll see if the architects of torture, the people who finance wars (i think Ollie North has his own TV show), or the BART police officer who shot Oscar Grant like a something less than an animal does one day of jail time. Where is the outrage and justice in that? PETA will never get one ounce of support from me again!

Posted by: Rod | May 24, 2009 06:36 PM

The sick violent actions of this man is a true reflection of his soul. Evil.

Vick killed more than once.

Vick killed on more than one occasion.

Vick killed for entertainment.

Vick not only killed, he enjoyed inflicting pain and prolong torturing on animals.

He had millions and had a good life that most people only dream about. Yet,KILLING was his pleasure.

This "he made a mistake" is really someones way of not being able to bring their ownselfs to beleive that there is such pure evil in the world and in one person.

Vick is putting together a "good-guy" list and then will give it to the N.F.L. (who has not ban him from playing ) as a way to get back into the game.

No one is judging him or flogging him by simply not knowing what is going on in that sick killing mind of his.

You have to ask yourself this: WOULD YOU LET VICK INTO YOUR HOME TO LIVE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. WOULD YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE WITH YOUR KIDS OR PETS OR SPOUSE KNOWNING WHAT HE DID TO THOSE DOGS?

The answer is no.You would not.

You do have the right to step aside from people who enjoy killing. It's called protecting yourself.

Don't give me that "he served his time" when you would never have Vick in your home. Yet alone with your kids and spouse or pets.

Vick have a thirst for blood.
He is dangerous.

The Humane Society needs to step aside and let this killer go by.

WE DON'T NEED HIM!

Posted by: Shari | May 24, 2009 08:51 PM

mike vick should get to play in the NFL. Who cares if he killed dogs? How are dogs any different than mice being tested on and killed in labs? Dogs have no higher rights than any other animal. People shoot deer, moose, bear, and many other animals for sport and fun so why cant mike vick have dogs fight? Life is the survival of the fittest and humans clearly have the upper hand, so as far as animal rights go, well....its hard to say.

Posted by: Nash Johnson | May 24, 2009 09:11 PM

Actually Joe Torres, and Corey Gregory I do not know where you go to church but.........................

God's reverence for animals and placing us all on the same level as being all those in which there is the "BREATH OF LIFE" from ONE CREATOR begins on PAGE ONE OF THE BIBLE.

Genisis 1:29

And God said, See I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the land and every tree with seed in it's fruit you shall have for food.

And (here it goes guys) TO ALL THE ANIMALS on the earth and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the ground, to every thing in which there is the BREATH OF LIFE I have given every green plant for food. And so it was.

And if God hasn't struck you dumb yet, I am going to throw another one out to you.

Ecclesiastes 3:19

For that which befalls the sons of man befalls beasts, even in the end one thing befalls them both. As the one dies so dies the other. Yes, THEY ALL HAVE ONE BREATH AND ONE SPIRIT SO THAT MAN HAS NO PREEMINENCE OVER A BEAST.

Michael Vick has his second chance, he has been released, he has not been hung, electrocuted or forced to fight to the death. It is very worrisome that people can actually think the man deserves multi million dollar contracts after such diabolical, psycopathic, inhumane decisions to torture and destroy life.

I do not wish him well on the field and I do not wish the NFL well if they make a total lapse of judgment and bring this "thing" this "it" and put him back out there. The guy should shovel shit for the rest of his pathetic life.

Posted by: Saucy | May 24, 2009 10:13 PM

You People make me sick. You'll all on Vick's Back about them dang dogs. If you'll put all this effort into saving people you might stop human trafficking. I don't see you'll in Mexico stopping Bull Fighting now do I. People fight dogs all the time and don't see jail time, but as soon as a celeb do it you want them to suffer. Hell, I might fry me up Lassie right now. Yes dog fights are wrong but don't just get on Vick about it.

Posted by: Randy | May 25, 2009 01:10 AM

I first witnessed Michael Vick in action when I was 10 yrs old. Since then, he had become my first favorite athlete and made me a huge fan of my hometown team. He did more than made me watch sports, he got me into playing. Before then, I was skinny and weak and had health issues like getting sick a lot, allergies, and at one point severe asthma. Adding on to that, I was bullied in school for the way I looked. I was even made fun of by some teachers which added severe depression and thoughts of suicide. Crying home from school was a daily routine and I tried my best to hide it from my parents. I had basically no friends in my first 2 yrs of Middle School which happened from the constant bullying. The only great potential I had was being smart. Luckily, I had friends in my neighborhood that helped me become better in sports like basketball and football but most importantly a stronger person. Also there was Vick who I watched constantly every time the Falcons played. His life and background gave me inspiration on continuing to work hard on becoming a great athlete like him so I can get some respect in school. After my dismal 7th grade yr, I had wanted to try out for the basketball for my final yr of Middle School. During the summer, I had worked on becoming stronger and athletic. The day came around Nov. and I had barely made it. Pretty lucky for a guy who just started playing sports a yr earlier. Even though I had not contributed that much to the team, I still worked hard on becoming better. Being on the basketball team started a new era for me. I was happy, made a lot of friends, but most importantly had respect from others and shut down all those negative people. Playing sports has changed my life and Michael Vick had a big influence. His amazing athletic ability pushed me on becoming the best. Now, I'm about to enter my Senior yr in High school. I am about to be a starting guard for my varsity basketball team. I am one of the popular dudes in school. I am big and strong and athletic. I am looking forward to leading my team to a state championship. I love Vick and in my Freshmen yr when I heard and saw what he did, it made me nervous, not for the dogs, but the person who saved me. First, I thought the crime Vick did was completely wrong and I knew he would go to jail for as much as he needed and pay back society and I accepted that. He needed to be punished like anyone else. I knew the Falcons would have a bad season or two. I was hoping for him to come back to the Falcons and lead them to a Super Bowl. But instead the Falcons made some great moves that will help them win in the future. So I accepted Vick leaving the Falcons when he comes back. I was upset that Vick was being attacked just to make organizations like PETA become famous! He is out jail right now putting his life back together. He had lost so much, probably the only athlete ever to lose as much as he did. I felt like that was enough. I thought he would successfully come back to the NFL like Jordan did back in the 90's. But instead, animal lovers and PETA is trying to stop that. Vick has served his time and endured a severe amount of punishment. I think PETA and others should leave him alone and let him pay back society and live his life without and opposition. Honestly, PETA has nothing else to tackle but Vick. He has paid his dues, leave him alone! PETA and others are seeing if as animals are much more important than humans. Dog fighting is a terrible sport, but it can't be stopped by punishing Vick. Dog fighting happens everywhere across the U.S. especially in the South. Trying to stop dog fighting is like trying to stop crime all together. It is not impossible to end and it happens all around the world. PETA should try to pressure the gov. to do something, not try to ruin someone's life who has served his time and knows what he did and trying to fix it. There were some athletes that were drunk and had killed others. Where was the outrage? Vick was an important figure in my life and still is. I want him to come back and see the Vick I loved back in Middle School even if he is not on the Falcons. This is what I've gotta to say to PETA and I am representing the people that have remorse, the kids who are tired of the negativity against Vick and want to see him back, the people who have lives that one day will make the world a better place, and the people who believe in God, PETA, dogs are not humans! Do it for the kids who don't want to see anyone like Vick be taken from this world. Vick is an idol. What he did was wrong, he had paid for a crime that did not include murdering humans. You guys can keep on doing whatever, but won't let the majority of the world change. PETA,YOU SUCK!

Posted by: United States of America | May 25, 2009 02:13 AM

I do not believe he deserves to return to football for that is too high profile a position. To me that vindicates his actions somehow even though he has done the time. He needs to be made an example of in the harshest way. Sorry, but he totally knew what he was doing. The canines killed or damaged mentally do not get a second chance at playing like dogs and having fun.

Posted by: Diana Baker | May 25, 2009 09:43 AM

I think that there are very few human beings beyond help.But, I volunteer at an animal shelter and I've seen "bait dogs w/ many bites on their faces come in. Then THEY'RE in prison -of a kind - but having done nothing wrong I also see how so many people are afraid of Pit Bulls because they think they 're vicious and a liability and then many don't get adopted. Also there are people who might be looking for Pits to fight or breed. I think it's really up to the NFL if they want Vick back - personally I don't give a flying flip about football. My Dad is a big football fan and he thinks he should be banned permanently. Michael Vick, come to an animal shelter and clean up poop in sweltering 90 degree heat or walk dogs in a downpour then you'll see the mess man's inhumanity to animals has created.

Posted by: Elizabeth Robbins | May 25, 2009 10:30 AM

I feel that what Vick has done is inhumane and immoral and his sentence does not reflect the true nature of his crime. Personally there are many institutes that would frown on his deviant behaviour and would not tolerate his utter disregard of the law and animal rights. His actions cannot be permissable for the moral conduct adhered to by a human being and his punishment should reflect that.

Posted by: Glen Millner | May 25, 2009 11:14 AM

vick is very sick man he does
not warrant any forgiveness for him to have this cruelty in his mind, he is , deranged and should not be allowed in sport again, i think is pet dogs would agree,poor creatures

Posted by: anne | May 25, 2009 12:18 PM

Michael Vick didn't do enough time, he didn't do hard enough time, and he should spend the rest of his life afraid of his own shadow, if he must be set free. He's no different than a child abuser. The domesticated animals of our world are as vulnerable as our children, and it's our duty to protect and honor them both. Cruelty to animals is a surefire indicator that an abuser will eventually inflict cruelty and harm to people is well-researched and accepted as reality within the mental health community. As a teacher, when I hear children (usually boys) talking about inflicting cruelty upon animals they encounter, I treat it the same way I treat reports of children being abused by adults. Kids who abuse animals are the kids who predictably end up abusing vulnerable people as then enter adolescence and adulthood. People need to understand the connection here. We won't stop committing violent acts against people until we stop violent behavior toward animals.

Michael Vick is without question a sociopathic or psychopathic individiaul. He will not respond to treatment, and he will engage in this behavior again. But he may be intelligent enough to pass a psychiatric exam, particularly with the "support" of the NFL.

Vick will again play in the NFL. If that was not the case, the league would have already banned him.

Posted by: Jeffrey Smith | May 25, 2009 01:49 PM

The only reason he did this is because he didnt know much better .He grew up in the dog fighting experinice in poverty. Its outlawed but ijf you for all ur youth years were taking to dog fights, you wouldnt find anytthing wrong with hosti8ng some of them.

Posted by: Kaveet Patel | May 25, 2009 02:59 PM

To CAS,

Yes it is OK for police dogs to "maul" criminals to protect and serve! The reason why police departments have dogs is to improve their abilities to locate criminals that run from the law and hide. Why do you have a problem with that? These trainied dogs do not kill the criminal. They simply scare the hell out of them so the criminal will be more inclined to run from their little hiding spot. Not to mention, the dog also protects the officer from a criminal lurking in some well hidden area. So, your point is what? If one these criminals just stole your car and is trying to run from the police, you would have a problem with a police dog sniffing for this criminal that just ran off with one of your most prized possessions? OK. I recommend you re-think your comment because it lacks in intelligence!

Posted by: Stephanie | May 25, 2009 03:25 PM

Is it not Petas mission to get people to change how they think about animals and their worth in relation to humans? If so, then why is so hard for you to believe that Mike Vick can change? The man is human like the rest of us and therefor he deserves a second chance like the rest of us would for our mistakes. If you can't believe that he can change, then know one else can change either. if this is true than PETA is just a big waste of time because nobody can change the way they fill about animals to begin with. Either forgive Vick and mabey try to work with him to show that is possible to change peoples minds towards animals, or close up shop and move on.

Posted by: Tyls | May 25, 2009 06:33 PM

Mike Vick did a bad thing and served his time in jail. There are men the NFL who had rape and beat women. One player killed someone in the auto accident. Mike should have chance to play again. I think the psch testing is little too much.

PETA please come in the Urban areas and stop the dog figtihng. Matter fact I saw two dogs fighting last week. But you want come. You are too afraid. It seems PETA only cares about certain creatures but not the poor dogs and people who are living in the projects. Wake up PETA there lot of abused dogs out there. Bringing down Mike Vick will not solve this problem. He is a rich and easy target.

Posted by: Kim J. | May 25, 2009 06:39 PM

I think PETA needs to organize across the USA that we need to be at all the football stadiums protesting that our team does not want of need Michael Vick on opening DAY !!!! I'm in for Cleveland!!!!

Posted by: Patty | May 25, 2009 07:36 PM

nan mclain is an idiot. You need to reread your Bible. I bet you believe your saved too. lol. what a joke.

Posted by: shane | May 25, 2009 10:08 PM

Please remember "WE" as "HUMANS" are "GAURDIANS" OF "ANIMALS!" We don't own them!! They are "NOT PROPERTY!!" PLEASE HELP TO CHANGE THE LAWS AND BY LAWS TO INCLUDE THE FACT WE ARE GAURDIANS TO ANIMALS!! INCLUDE THE WORD "GAURDIAN" IN YOUR RELATION TO ANIMALS!! THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!! VICKY :) ^..^

Posted by: Vicky Butt | May 25, 2009 11:49 PM

While I am a fan of Mike Vick. I have to admit what THEY(He wasn't alone)did was wrong. He lost millions of dollars and spent time in jail. He has paid his debt. The only person that needs to decide if he can play again in the NFL is Roger Godell. Not anyone else. Sadly people are still out there fighting dogs. There are some things in these world that will never go away. Racism, disease, the fighting in the Middle East and Dogfighting to name a few. We are all human beings. No one can say they never did something wrong. We all have been forgiven one way or another. This will always be over his head. If he is let back into the NFL and he leads his team to a Super Bowl win. It won't matter cause he'll just be the guy that did time for dogfighting.

Posted by: Me not you | May 26, 2009 02:13 AM

Please, sign this as this petition seems to be doing well with 30,000 signatures
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-NFL-from-reinstating-michaelvick

I was stunned when HSUS made the announcement

Posted by: rebecca Alexander | May 26, 2009 02:19 AM

Dogs are put down frequently for simply biting a human. This man killed dogs for his personal enjoyment, so why should he have the option to continue with his career, which would no doubt serve him millions of dollars, comfort and fame?

His sentence of two years in prison, which was not completely carried out, is a ridiculously light tap on the knuckles compared to what he should have received.

If he had killed numerous humans it would be viewed very differently, wouldn't it? Are animal rights important to people?

It is not about how 'God' would view his crimes, or how 'the poor children' will react, or even 'the hundreds of other problems that are occurring in the world'- it is specifically about societies disconnection from the reality of animal cruelty.

Posted by: Sophie | May 26, 2009 03:37 AM

I can't come to terms with this sort of inhumane cruelty to any living creature! There is something seriously wrong with Vick. He needs to get the same treatment he has dished out

Posted by: Sue | May 26, 2009 05:41 AM

this guy is a horrible, mean person who doesnt deserve to be let out of prision. in my opinion what he did was terrible and wrong. these dogs suffered their entiere lives just so he could have a good laught. He should suffer the consicuences of being in prison for his life its only fair for him and the dogs. I hope the dogs find a happy and good life without fighting.
the police should send his butt back 2 prison insted of putting him in his stupid house arrest.

Posted by: Fran | May 26, 2009 07:15 AM

I hate what Michael Vick did to dogs and he deserved his punishment. Why cant we be just as outraged at the killing of 4,000 innocent babies per DAY in the US. Not only is no one held accountable (yet) thousands support this with their money (tax dollars too!) lets put the whole dog thing in perspective. Lets treat humans ethically too.

Posted by: txteacher | May 26, 2009 08:28 AM

What Michael Vick did was completely immoral, inhumane, and unforgiveable. He does not deserve to be a role model to anyone. I hope that he is never allowed to own a pet ever again. Actions are so much louder than words - and Michael Vick's actions are among the most gruesome.

Posted by: Sara | May 26, 2009 09:55 AM

To Ricki:

Again, maybe you, Thomas Canty and ole Jim Bob can have a nice open house for your criminal friends and help them find their way back from their sins!

If he kills again whether animal or humane let the blood be on your hands when you have to answer to GOD!

Posted by: Elleng | May 26, 2009 10:12 AM

Michael Irvin got caught with cocain and hookers and he was my role model. Until that point. I was around 12 or 13 at the time. I knew it was wrong and knew not to follow in his footsteps. ...I am 24 and i still havent used coke or purchased a hooker.

For those of you worried about the children need to be quite. It has zero effect. If it does then you are a horrible parent.
My point is, the fact that your kid likes a player doesnt mean he is going to turn out like that player. In fact you as a parent should be steering your child in the right direction to make good decisions in life. If your child messes up bc Vick was there role model then YOU are the bad parent not Vick.

Posted by: AndrewnDallas | May 26, 2009 10:39 AM

To Les White.

Your an idiot!

Posted by: KJohn | May 26, 2009 11:00 AM

you peta people are just ridiculous! i never heard vick say he enjoyed killing these dogs. i don't agree with what he did, but it was just a business to him. i don't think he is a potential serial killer. the people killing hogs, chickens, cows, and other animals that we eat, don't become serial killers. that is because what they are doing is a business. yes, i believe the business of dogfighting is horrible, but to the people doing it, that is all that it is. he/they were making money from it.

Posted by: berk anderson | May 26, 2009 11:01 AM

I just wanted to say....How AMERICAN of you all. This is the land of the FREE. Soon as someone does something you dont like you forget about that part. He has the same freedoms as you or anyone else. He is free to commit a crime, free to get caught if he wasnt smart enough to cover it up and free to play football if thats the thing he does best. How dare you look down on Mike Vick...Maybe you should start a committee against people who ravage forests or people who put pavement on everything not nailed down. You know trees have life too and less poop.

Posted by: Joe wit da Afro | May 26, 2009 11:10 AM

Michael Vick did NOT pay for what he did. Because the laws are so weak regarding the lives of animals is the reason he spent only 18 months in prison. I am not a member of PETA, I am however extremely fond of dogs. I live in a neighborhood in Asheville , NC where a 8 month old dog has been chained to a tree and NEVER gets walked, spends most of his time wrapped around a tree, thus cannot get to his dog house or water. My neighbors and I walk past many times a day and nobody has ever been out with the dog. AnimaL control in Asheville said it's hands are tied as the laws are weak. So Charlie sits outside, snow, heat, pouring rain. This week we watched him chew and pull his chain to try to free himself. He looks at me with pitiful eyes and seems to be pleading with me to free him. I sneak treats and vet approved rawhide for him so he has something to other than frantically dig holes. There is a group of caring people in Asheville that are trying to get a law passed to limit the time an animal is allowed on a chain each day. They even build fences for needy people so their dog can at least be free a little. The family that owns Charlie are a bunch of backward uneducated hillbillies. The 82 year old grandmother raised the 2 grandsons , one in prison for burglary and setting homes on fire and the other, Charlie's owner, lives there on house arrest. They refused a fence. The city of Asheville does nothing. Use Michael Vick as an example that this country will no longer accept animal abuse. He is sorry...gimme a break, You mean to tell me that there aren't hundreds of new talent out there??? Do not allow that scum bag back into sports.

Posted by: Sad in Asheville | May 26, 2009 11:38 AM

To Randy and John Douglass:

The both of you could start and idiot club together.

Re-read your comments and tell us you don't sound stupid!

YIKES. I hope the both of you haven't reproduced.

Posted by: Kclark | May 26, 2009 11:40 AM

If Michael Vick wants to redeem himself, he should consider educating kids against animal abuse. He still has supporters. He needs to take his celebrity status and tell the world how truly sorry he is! But I'm not sure he is sorry. I never heard him say he regrets what he has done. Part of Michael Vicks sentence should be to go through some of what he put his dogs through. Vick needs to remember that there was a time when black people weren't seen as human. There was a time when Nazi Germans didn't see the Jews as human. So many innocent lives tortured and disgraced because some people believed only "humans" deserved humane treatment. We are all Animals....all Gods creatures. We need to show respect for life....period! Let Vicks experience be a lesson to all that abuse animals!

Posted by: Caroline Rivera | May 26, 2009 11:48 AM

What some people are saying here makes me so mad! Michael Vick is clearly a sociopath. he needs treatment. The inability to feel remorse for torturing and murdering any living being, people and animals alike, is definitely something that needs to be addressed psychologically.
People who are saying that it does not matter because they are dogs and not humans are terrible people and are perhaps also mentally disturbed. All creatures are equal. If anything I hold animals higher than humans because animals do not have the intelligence to be resentful and willingly cause harm to another for personal enjoyment. Dogs love and forgive, irregardless of what you have done to them. If I hold animals highly on a pedestal, it is because I have good reason and to do so.
Anyone concerned about Michael Vick should rest easy knowing he is a multi-millionaire and will most likely stay so for the rest of his life.
Sociopaths are dangerous, and to prove whether or not he is a sociopath, I think that a psychological examination is needed so we can help him help himself.
The fact that he is a football star is no reason for his exemption in any court of law or simply in the eyes of the general public. We must inform people on the brutality of this crime, but instead of just portraying his murder victims as dogs, we should classify them as murder victims, because in all reality, that is exactly what they are.

Posted by: Chelsea Stuebner | May 26, 2009 01:32 PM

During current legal proceedings, convicted felons are required to make restitution to those they have harmed. I've yet to hear that Michael Vick did that, by funding the care of these animals. Many rescue centers have taken over the care and sometimes permanent housing of the animals he tortured, without funding from Vick, himself. I have no desire to watch any convicted felon play ball and I hope that others will boycott any game that includes players who attended any violent events, including dog fighting.

Posted by: Mary | May 26, 2009 01:43 PM

I personally am getting quite sick of hearing everyone refer to what he did as a "mistake." This was not some blunder or misunderstanding. He didn't accidentally put a red washcloth in with his whites. He didn't forget to add the baking soda in his cupcakes. He tortured and killed living creatures, all the while making money off of it. THAT is not a "mistake", so please stop referring to it as such.

Also, in regards to him being raised with dog-fighting, that is a cop-out. Then what about all the other "raised with dog-fighting" who do NOT participate in such things; who believe it to be wrong, both morally and socially? They were somehow able to abstain.

His second chance is not spending more time in prison. His second chance need not be in the NFL. That being said, I am sure he'll play again. The NFL doesn't exactly have a sterling reputation to uphold...

Posted by: Trish | May 26, 2009 02:00 PM

I read this article and all the comments in detail. Does anyone realise that once a person of this calibre does a crime, they will reoffend. They have the money and prestige to do what they want and believe themselves to be above the law. I love animals and people, but I would not want this man around my pets just as I would not want a pedophile around my children. They will always reoffend, they can't help it. They get a sick pleasure from watching pain and the selfish element comes into it too. It is self satisfaction and what would satisfy this man once he is back and accepted by society? Taking his pet poodle out for a romp around his garden...I think not. He needs to be set up as an example so our children can see we will not tolerate this type of cruelty, whether to people or animals. It has to begin somewhere.

Posted by: Heather Hayes | May 26, 2009 02:39 PM

I hope the NFL never lets that murder back in!!!! He should never get out of prision!! I believe an eye for an eye and he will pay for this one day!! If he is reinstated in the NFL and a team picks him up, they don't know what they are in for. PREPARE TO MEET DOG LOVERS AMERICA!!! I hope everyone writes to Roger Goodell in the nlf and demand that Vick will not be reinstated

Posted by: Kathy | May 26, 2009 03:28 PM

Why are the people who are FOR Michael Vick even on this site? I don't get it. I'm sure there's a site where more idiots are saying things like "Vick should get his career back" and "leave the man alone" and "there's more important things in the world". If you feel this way, leave this site alone. Those of us who actually CARE and love animals think this evil human being doesn't deserve crap! Unless it's to do to him what he did to those animals! Anyone who is sick enough to do what he and others did, will have no problem in abusing a woman or a child. That's been proven! You all must be friends of this idiot Vick because if you were here for the animals, this crap wouldn't have been posted on PETA!

Posted by: Sandy | May 26, 2009 03:42 PM

To the idiot who says "pits are born to fight as well as German Shepherds". You may want to look up your so called "facts" again. Nothing could be further from the truth! You sound like you may be a little stupid about the dog breeds. And to those who keep saying "it's just a dog, it's not a human". If some humans out here had HALF the compassion and forgivness an animal does this world would be a better place. i can't understand why you idiots are even on the PETA website if you are so against what they do! Leave us alone and go to websites where you can learn more about animals and what they go thru.

Posted by: Sandy | May 26, 2009 04:02 PM

No more million dollar paycheck and place in the spotlight for this guy. He had his chance and blew it. Let another guy get a shot. One who will behave. Yes, he served his sentence, did his "time", and he is out of prison, and can go shopping, get a job, go out, whatever. BUT, like it or not, millions of kids look up to these guys and THAT makes them role models. Celebrities and sports figures ARE role models, like it or not. That massive paycheck and place in the spotlight makes them one. Get another career if you don't like it. That said. Michael Vick has no business becoming a role model for children again. His reinstatement back into the NFL will only tell kids its ok to do this. You may lose a bit, but you'll be right back in the game, millions included. Nope. THAT would be a crime.

Posted by: Mary Carpenter | May 26, 2009 04:28 PM

I am only 6 and a haf. dont hurt doggies pleese

Posted by: M. Vick | May 26, 2009 06:45 PM

Torturing and killing animals for "sport" or amusement should NEVER be regarded as "making a mistake". Vick, so far, is sorry only because he got caught and lost his position and wealth.

Hear that hunters?
dog fighters, farm animal abusers, animal experimenters, puppy millers, ad nauseum, ad infinitum?

People that exploit voiceless, innocent beings for whatever gain, truly are not in touch with their humanity. A farmer who can slam a baby pig on the concrete or hang a sick sow from a front-loader to kill her is NOT a human being I would go to the lengths of the earth to save or protect. Whenever a human being takes the arrogant, "it's all about me" attitude that animals are just animals and should never be afforded the same protections and respect that human beings enjoy, a glaring R E D F L A G goes up and I am left with the gnawing question about their ability to empathize, feel pain or grant mercy to something that is truly helpless.

Vick's punishment was a walk in the park compared to what he did to those innocent animals. And I'm sick and tired (like many others, here) of people posting their diatribes regarding more important issues. If there are more important issues to you than condemning cruel and sadistic human behavior, by all means seek them out and DO SOMETHING ABOUT THEM!

Don't come here and b$tch about PETA supporters needing to focus on more important issues than speaking out against Michael Vick returning to NFL as if nothing ever happened.

Michael Vick GETS another chance--he's out of prison.
HE HAS TO EARN PEOPLES' RESPECT IN HIS DAY TO DAY BEHAVIOR BEFORE HE JUST STROLLS INTO THE NFL commissioner's office and says, Here I am--I want my job back!

We want to see tangible, positive results. I want to read about his workshops in hardcore communities where at-risk young people need to be re-educated about civility and being a good citizen--not a low-life, drug pushing, dog-fighting "world owes me a living" punk!

Posted by: Susan T | May 26, 2009 08:07 PM

he should be in jail for life

Posted by: Jeff | May 26, 2009 08:49 PM

Do you really think any kids are going to start dogfights because some guy in the NFL did?? If all you people really care about animals so much why don't you prioritize your whining better. Rather than go after some guy who has killed 20 dogs or so, go after some of the places in china where they kill thousands of dogs daily. Or is it somehow racist to go after china??

Posted by: greg | May 26, 2009 09:03 PM

Michael Vick is a murderer! He should be in prison & how dare the HSUS work with him he's only doing it to save his own skin.

There's nothing humane about vick

Posted by: tofu | May 26, 2009 10:51 PM

dear peta i am posting this comment i am writing u to let you know people make mistakes and mike vick made one please let the man go on with his life come on yall aint even give oj that much hell and he kilt the white women all im just saying you got his money and his pride what else u want

Posted by: chris johnson | May 26, 2009 10:59 PM

Sad in Ashville - You call yourself an animal lover? Puhleze. bolt cutters free the dog. how hard is it..Or mb it feels good to be holier than thou from afar

Posted by: Me in Seattle | May 27, 2009 05:14 AM

To Berk Anderson,
I'm sure that these practices weren't just 'business', this man is an NFL player- would he be lacking money? It is quite clear that he enjoyed torturing the animals, alike to the other people in abattoirs, who don't flinch at the thought of the slaughtering millions of animals. There has to be a fault in their comprehension of compassion too. Animals should not exist to be exploited, it is that simple.

Posted by: Sophie | May 27, 2009 08:08 AM

Listen he has paid his debt to society. So let the man get on with his life. The man makes his living playing professional football, how dare anyone suggest that he not be permitted to do his job. What ever happened to giving a person second chance. I thoght that we lived in the land of the free, we all make mistakes, we are not perfect. Good LUCK MICHEAL VICK

Posted by: TIsha | May 27, 2009 12:39 PM

I did not like what Vick did to the dogs. I saw on tv where some found good homes.Animals are at the mercy of the people that take care of them. I read where Kansas Zoo shot a Puma that escaped because the zookeeper forgot to lock encloser. I don't know why they could not have sedated animal and put it back in encloser instead of killing the Puma-The zookeeper left door open and the animal paid with its life. I think they could have saved this Puma if they wanted to. Animals need to be left in their enviroment.The people at the zoo should have tried to save this Puma. Sad!!!

Posted by: Mullins | May 27, 2009 12:50 PM

Yes Mike Vick will be allowed back into the NFL. And yes PeTA will protest whatever teams stadium he signs with. Exactly what do you think is going to happen to those protesters when 70,000 plus fans are walking into the stadium. Some of them already drunk. It won't be pretty. Especially if he signs with the Oakland Raiders! Good luck with that PeTA.

Posted by: Steve | May 27, 2009 01:00 PM

To rebecca Alexander:

Thanx for the heads up on the Vick and HSUS petition web site.
Both my husband and I signed it.

Posted by: Elleng | May 27, 2009 01:50 PM

I'm so utterly disgusted with this disgrace of a supposed human being - have you seen what he's done to these animals! There was an episode about the worst harmed - that lived that is, as so many died at his hands. It was on the National Geographic channel called "Dog Town" these poor abused darlings we're thought to be hopeless and to be euthinized because of this barbic ass and now he wants his freedom and life back! Are you kidding me! He deserves as far as I'm concerned to be working in a fast food restraunt cleaning out the friers and that's a step up! He is a criminal and if he did anything similar (god forbid) to children or elderly - anyone for that matter he'd be in there for a long time. He made his decisions, tried painting the barn that the horrible dog fighting rings were in black so no cops or helicopters would find him. He doesn't deserve anything.

Posted by: Jill | May 27, 2009 03:17 PM

Non-peta people will never understand that PETA values any animal as much as a human that supports peta, but values animals above humans that do not support peta values. comparing a dog to someone's daughter getting raped or killed is unbelievable, and anyone that does surely needs a psych eval.

Posted by: Tim | May 27, 2009 05:24 PM

An ESPN poll and a guy named Taross. Wow, I'm convinced. Put a tiara on Vick's ugly head (gently of course).

Posted by: Unamused | May 27, 2009 05:42 PM

Mr. United States of America... Can't say your real name??? Your a pathetic fool. M. Vick is an idol?????????? Your just as sick as him!

Posted by: carla | May 27, 2009 06:33 PM

caroline rivera, come on how can you compare dog fighting to what the nazis did? not even close to the same thing. these are dogs, not people!

Posted by: berk anderson | May 28, 2009 10:36 AM

To Chelsea Stuebner:
First of all to say that people that say they are dogs and not people are terrible people and mentally disturbed is an ignorant comment. i said that and i have 2 dogs that are both extremely spoiled and well taken care of. i also work in a school and coach high school football, and have 2 kids that are great kids with a lot of respect for people and animals. i also have had the opportunity to hunt and refuse to do it, because i don't want to kill anything. so how am i a terrible person or mentally disturbed? i probably make a difference in more kids lives than you do.

second-vick was a millionaire, if you don't know he has filed for bankruptcy and has lost almost all of his possessions, and is also selling his mansion.

third-i agree with you that just because a person is a pro athlete, you said football star, they shouldn't get exemption from their crimes. but at the same time just because you are a pro athlete, that shouldn't mean that you should be exposed to excessive persicution.

i hate what vick did, but i do believe he served his punishment and should now be left alone. i don't hear you peta people getting all over the people that were just busted for a dog fighting business in the detroit area, why not? because those people aren't in the spot light and you wouldn't get any free publicity!

Posted by: berk anderson | May 28, 2009 11:04 AM

Michael Vick can easily make amends for his crimes against dogs, and show that he is truly sorry - by undergoing the SAME amount of pain and suffering that he put those dogs through.

After all, doesn't Michael Vick want to prove to the world how 'tough' he is? Will he be entering the UFC then?

He is a gutless coward who would scream like a baby if he underwent a hundredth of the pain he put those dogs through - so remember, keep asking him when he is going to show us what a 'man' he is, and experience the SAME suffering as his victims.

Watch him try to weasle his way out of it, then call him the COWARD that he is.

Posted by: David Radford | May 28, 2009 04:31 PM

Ewh this piece of garbage has children!! On the tmz.com website it shows him with one of his child's mother with some arrest band around his ankle.
Now, imagine his daughter seeing/knowing what her father did. And to think the females who bring their children around him are as guilty of tolerating what he did...thank God I know NOONE who would engage in such a horrific and unspeakable crime against animals.

Posted by: Tanya | May 28, 2009 06:46 PM

The COWARDS out of Jail. If he does get back in the NFL and he doesn't make a Touch Down how about hanging and beating him then through him in the Sewage. Bet he can't swim.... lol
A big guy like that picking on someone smaller than him. Look up COWARD in the dictionary it says MICHAEL VICK

Posted by: Gina B | May 28, 2009 06:48 PM

SAME?! He expierenced the same amount of pain?? How ignorant are you?? yeah...because being forced to fight and being mutilated and having a slow painful death is the same as sitting in jail for a little bit and paying some fines. He deserves to rot for the rest of his life. What makes one life any better than another? How can you say it's just dogs? Oh... because something isn't exactly like you, it deserves less respect?? We once thought like that when we came to the new world and met the native americans...since they were different, they did not deserve the same life as us...but we got off our high horses and realized they did...now it's the animal's turn. Every creature deserves repect and a cruelty free life! And nothing will ever make up for what that man did. He knew what cruel awful thing he was doing the whole time and he didn't care. He doesn't deserve anything.

Posted by: Susan | May 28, 2009 07:21 PM

EVERY serial killer that has been interviewed (and had psycological profiles done on,) have said, they began by torturing and murdering animals, before getting up the "courage" to do the same to people.
who elevated dogs to people status? Some of you ask...WE DID. Humanity did, when we domesticated them, took them in our homes to be part of our family's. In doing so ...WE became their guardians, their protector's their friends. In a sense we made a pact to take responsibility for their welfare. We must continue to make an example out of this maggot.
How does' one rehabilitate someone who has to be TOLD that the horrific suffering he put the poor dogs through was wrong???
I say...GOD BLESS PETA and the HUMANE SOCIETY for grandstanding on this issue.
Human beings DO NOT have the right to treat other animals with less respect then we give each other. What makes us so much more important? Because we happen to be at the top of the food chain? Humans are the only specie's that the planet can get along just fine without.
I cannot begin to tell you how much I DONT CARE about M.V. losing millions of dollars. BOO HOO! He still has more then most people will make in their life time.
18 months in prison ?? Sadly...that is all a dogs life (being tortured forced to fight and MURDERED) is worth, in this society. We cannot truly become an enlightened and civilized until we all learn to respect our world and ALL the creatures that live in it.
"Bless the Beasts and the Children..For in This World, They Have No Voice ... Thet Have No Choice"

Posted by: Mary Stitch | May 28, 2009 08:55 PM

Just to add. Michael Vick was convicted on conspiracy in regard to the dogfighting. He pleabargained his way out of a conviction and sentence for animal cruelty. So there was really no justice for the dogs.

Posted by: Marilyn Glasgow | May 28, 2009 10:06 PM

I sincerely hope that PETA and anyone else with a brain does not think for one moment that undergoing and "Passing" a psych test means that this scumbag is remorseful and/or "Cured" of his sick role in TORTURING animals. He is an arrogant jerk and the only thing he is sorry for is getting caught. He is a sick bastard and should never be allowed to play in the NFL again.

Posted by: Gina | May 28, 2009 10:15 PM

There are some great posts here and some people who are clearly ignorant. I am sick of the animal vs. human debate. can we please get over it. animals are animals. WE are ALL animals. If a dog is classed as 'beneath' us, does that give us the right to treat him badly? Our enhanced abilities as humans are really the only distinction here but what we do with them often leaves me feeling very disturbed. It has been said that the breadth of a man can be determined in the manner in which he treats his animals. I do believe that is the case here.

Posted by: Lee Australia | May 28, 2009 10:46 PM

Anyone who is as heartless as the man who committed these horrible crimes against defenseless animals does not deserve a second chance. What kind of human being puts their own pets in the ring with killer dogs? The killer dogs were doomed from the start and Vic made them that way. There is no excuse and he needs to suffer the consequences. He is a murderer and doesn't deserve a second chance any more than any other murderer. To show so little compassion for an animal who is defenseless is unforgivable. Anyone who defends him is obviously biased or just plain sick. I certainly don't want my children or grandchildren idolizing him or anyone like him. He needs to be out of public life, he's a horrible role model.

Posted by: Sharon Dellinger | May 29, 2009 01:26 AM

To KJohn, who was responding to Les White...this advice could potentially double your salary/IQ:

"your" indicates possession, as in "I hate your idiot wife". "You're" is a contraction, and it joins the words "you" and "are", as in "You're an idiot"

Posted by: grammar police | May 29, 2009 02:49 AM

Loved your post David Radford! Michael Vick is a Coward and not a man. Some of the comments on this board saying that he has paid for his crime? Um, no he has not paid for his crime. It was more than a crime. He tortured innocent animals to profit from them. After he made a ton of money with the NFL. What a joke of a so called man. Well... he is more of a scumbag if you ask me.

Posted by: carla | May 29, 2009 09:43 AM

Berk Anderson. Your an idiot. I have no more to say to you. Get off the Peta boards if you don't support us. Jerk!!!

Posted by: carla | May 29, 2009 09:46 AM

Vick will never change just like a rapist will never change

Posted by: Linda Knightes | May 29, 2009 09:48 AM

Tisha. M. Vick.. aka scumbucket... made his living off of fighting innocent animals. He should be put in a ring of dogs so they can tear off his ugly face.

Posted by: carla | May 29, 2009 09:51 AM

Matt.. awww poor Vick lost millions of dollars? Was that not his choice. um... newsflash Matty... dogs lost their lives at the hands of these monsters!!!! Wake the f**k up loser.

Posted by: carla | May 29, 2009 09:54 AM

Ok... What do they carry weapons in Oakland? Who cares about the Oakland Raider fans. Go ahead and protest Peta.. Screw the So called Tough Raider fans.!!!!!!

Posted by: carla | May 29, 2009 10:02 AM

Michael Vick was not some naive kid from the projects who was brought up in a culture of dogfighting and didn't know any better. He was a multimillion-dollar NFL player who KNOWINGLY continued and ran his dogfighting operation and, by all accounts, made it even crueller than usual by putting family companion animals in the ring with the dogs trained to fight. He deserves much more time in prison. He skated, comparatively. Let's not waste our compassion on this man, but save it instead for the many poor animals who are still involved in dogfighting operations. They deserve it; he doesn't.

Posted by: Pauline | May 29, 2009 11:26 AM

He has served his time for the crimes he commited as deemed by our justice system.

HOWEVER it does not excuse what he did and in my opinion he got off lightly. Some regular dude probably would have served his whole term in prison. What he did is a vile disgusting thing. And the fact that he is not some regular dude just trying to make some money is even worse. He had it all, money and fame. HE BLEW IT. He is a complete moron for what he did. He obviously wasn't doing the dog fighting thing for money. Why then did he commit such an enormously STUPID and SICK crime?

I am not sure what happens when we pass on to the next "world" but I would like to believe that all the people out there that any commit acts of violence against humans OR animals get whats coming to them.

It is not up to us to punish them, they will get theirs some way or another. I personally could give a crap less about a turd like Michael Vick although I do think he is a disgusting piece of human waste. Let him wither away in obscurity.

Posted by: Audrey | May 29, 2009 02:20 PM

First of all we are on a Michael Vick discussion & as sympathetic as I am to the many problems in this world we have, this is the "one of many" that we are discussing right now. Trust me I & I'm sure many other people on this site try to do their part in resolving other issues as well...

Back on Michael Vick for now... He not only killed dogs but TORTURED them over & over & over again & liked it. Do u Vick supporters not see anything disturbing about this? Forget about doing time in prison how about the psychological side of this people. And trust me this goes for ALL people who torture living creatures.

As far as I'm concerned he lost the "privelage" of playing in the NFL. And I'm sorry there are other disturbed people that get to play sports. Do u think perhaps u people that like to sweep horrific acts under the carpet such as this one may have something to do with that? Ask yourself what role do u play in trying to make this world a better place to live?????? I don't think judging the people who are trying to make a difference is very productive... I'd like to see some of you put forth half of the effort PETA & other caring, productive organizations does to do something good for the world... PETA, you have my support... 150%

Posted by: Danielle Kramer | May 29, 2009 03:12 PM

I am a mental health counselor and have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with PETA. On a entirely objective level, it has been proven that people who abuse animals, particularly those who abuse as severe as Mr. Vick, are virtually beyond treatment. As are those that are sadistic serial killers and pedophiles and other serious sex offenders. These people have anti-social personality disorders and are not cabable of feeling empathy and remorse.
We have yet to find a way to treat this people that will stop relapses and the best that can be done is to keep them in treatment and monitored for the rest of their lives. People may not want to hear it, but please don't just take my word on this, do your own research.
People who abuse animals are definitely at high risk to abuse humans (just as viciously)as well.
If Michael Vick is allowed to play football he will I am sure become a wealthy man, and will once again have the resources to start up his macabre hobby again. Only this time he will have learned from his mistakes and be better at not getting caught. These are just the facts.

Posted by: Anne Lavallee | May 29, 2009 03:36 PM

Michael Vick trained dogs for figth but he tortured and kill CATS and KITTENS too. We understand that he is not the only one but, ¿can everyone just close the eyes and let it past?

Posted by: Edna | May 29, 2009 05:10 PM

Yes, Vick was one of MANY people who has been involved in dogfights, but, look at the influences that Vick has been around. He made a mistake, and he suffered the consequences as anyone should. People do change! Vick is just one of HUNDREDS of people who has/is involved in dog fighting, but since hes famous, everyone has to treat him like a monster! I have faith that Vick can change. So don't assume he wont, because i mean, do u know him personally?

Posted by: mark | May 29, 2009 05:40 PM

To Anne Lavallee
I wish that everyone who supports Michael Vick returning to his livelyhood, would read and understand your post. You are absolutely right, Anne. People who can enjoy this type of "sport" can never be completely rehabilitated. They do not have the capacity to understand the suffering they inflict on animals. That is exactly what I was trying to say in my earlier post. That is also why Peta and their supporter's are afraid of this man returning to his life. The best we can do, is monitor MV and his "possie", very closely.
I do believe in karma. What goes' around...comes around. I would love to be around to see it! For this man deserves to "feel" the same pain he put those dogs through. He is human waste.

Posted by: Mary Stitch | May 29, 2009 06:12 PM

God these posts are frickin funny as hell!!

Posted by: J rod | May 29, 2009 07:47 PM

I agree with Mary Stitch and many, many others who understand how flawed Michael Vicks is emotionally as evidenced by his complete lack of empathy with the intentional torture of another living creature. He has no heart for others; only for himself. It will take far longer than a mere 18 months living in a comfortable prison beefing up his muscles to become a civil human being. It will take this man YEARS of intensive therapy and counseling to reprogram him. Abusive men, of which Michael Vicks certainly qualifies as such, have issues with POWER, NARCISSISM, a deep SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT and the belief they are entirely above the law. I have no doubt in his mind this very minute Michael Vicks believes he has done nothing wrong and has suffered a bum wrap. If he is remorseful at all, it is over getting caught! There is also no doubt that he has been abusive to the women in this life as well. Like his dogs, they are easily disposable. Those ingrained tendencies do NOT just go away on their own and certainly not as a result of spending time in jail. We need men like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Dan Moreno, etc....NOT thugs like Michael Vicks and the bums he hangs with!

Posted by: Lin Hansen Petro | May 29, 2009 07:52 PM

Micheal Vick is the Jeffrey Dahmer of dogfighting.

You don't ask Jeffrey Dahmer to be a spokes person for going Veggie!

And you don't go out and get Micheal Vick to be spokes person for animal rights!

The crime he commited is just to diabolical. Pure Evil

I can't believe the Human Society thinks he is "sorry" about his crimes against these innocent dogs!

Posted by: Shari | May 29, 2009 10:40 PM

Animals are like children, they are innocent to the acts of a'holes who get off torturing them. He's a sick bastard and his family isn't any better. All the money he made, and torturing poor helpless animals is all he could come up with in his spare time.The only people who defend him are the football lovers, and they always mention how they love animals too. Give me a break, there is no excuse for what went on in Vicks home. And while some people say he did his time, the animals do not get a second chance, and look how they suffered before they took their last breath, Think about that.

Posted by: Petey | May 30, 2009 12:29 AM

Good Morning. I have never posted on PETA's website until now or had any affiliation with PETA until I joined the group on FB. I understand the M. Vick is a celebrity and that there are those of you who believe that he should not be he has been punished and that he should have the opportunity to return to the NFL.
Then there are PETA supporters who support an in depth psychological testing in order for him to be re-instated.
What we have here is a person who willingly ran a dog fighting ring. Has anyone seen Dogtown -- approx. 28 of the fifty plus dogs that were at Bad Newz Kennels. There are people who are desperate to instill a positive change in the social behavior of these dogs. This is real -- M. Vick is not, and will never be a role model again. He is an abuser -- a murderer...
I will support PETA's efforts to enforce his psychological testing, but I will never understand if PETA settles for that. Of course, this tactic is encouraging, but the end result will determine whether he fits the description of "anti-social." I undersand its importance to PETA and that it is highly grounded in fact, but I would be outraged if he is able to return to the NFL.
For those of you who believe that he is being used as an example -- well, he is. He is guilty of heinous crimes that are inhumane. If you cannot see this -- him for the murderer he is, you need help. Note: He had a contraption at the Kennel that strapped female dogs down who fought off the male predator. These dogs were strapped down on and raped!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Catherine Hickey | May 30, 2009 08:09 AM

to grammer police
put your big boy/girl pants back on.

Posted by: diogy | May 30, 2009 11:42 AM

When we disregard the suffering of any of Gods creatures to help us feel better about a man playing a sport... well this is a great example of how far we have sunk as a society of civilized people. Are we not better than that? Does the Lord not tell us to take care of his creatures? Disregard Gods word and he will deal with all the selfish Micheal Vick types in the world. Micheal Vick will not change. A man that cruel does not have God or Gods love in his heart. Put him on a playing field again America if you want. The Lord will deal with it at his own time. Prison will seem like a holiday for micheal Vick when the devil puts him to work in his afterlife.

Posted by: Carrie Holland | May 30, 2009 11:30 PM

Pauline the last 2 sentances in your post, reduced me to tears. You said it perfectly.
Thankyou.
I pray there will come a day when dog fighting becomes a thing of the past.
But there are those sick sick souls...that will take a long time to evolve. It breaks my heart. But...I believe in Karma. What goes' around comes around. There will come a time when people Like MV will really FEEL the pain and torture they inflict on helpless creature's. Dont think for a minute God is'nt watching. THAT is the time you should feel sorry for Vick. But. ..I wont.

Posted by: Mary Stitch | May 31, 2009 01:27 AM

thank you sugar for taking a stance against the sick activity of dog fighting.not only children,but adults like myself look up to you.
as far as michael vick goes-i hope peta does work with him & brings him to the schools & youth centers etc and have him speak& pubically apologize to the animals he killed/injured & teach people/kids not to engage in this sick activity!
and to the public-do not worry-Michael Vick has already lost his reputation for life & someday,him & other like him will pay for what they did to these animals. if i was michael vick or anyone who fights dogs-i would hope my life on this earth is a long one.........
LORI

Posted by: lori black | May 31, 2009 03:04 AM

If people have nothing positive to post then don't bother to write anything. Vick should not be given a chance. What kind of role model is he?? not a good one kids watch footbal for children that's not a good example. It's cruel to do thAT TO ANY LIVING THING.

Posted by: tatiana | May 31, 2009 03:05 PM

No he shouldn't play. Any cop, firefighter, doctor or any other kind of public figure like that got caught doing what he did probably wouldn't be able to get their job back. Why should he? Because he can throw a ball. Like I wish him luck and comfort cuz he did do his time but my God its just bad OF the NFL maybe not bad FOR them, but lets pretend he did make roster for my Vikings...I dont think I could keep supporting them. Im not one of PETAs supporters or a Vick supporter. Just wanted to say what I did.

Posted by: Andrew | May 31, 2009 03:57 PM

he may have spent 2 yrs in prison but thats a very small price to pay for all the animals blood shed by his own hand.He should not ever be allowed back in football,should have Dr,s check his brain,and be ordered to pay.They should make an example out of him for the whole world to see.

Posted by: shannon roden | June 1, 2009 11:35 AM

I am a PETA supporter. I donate money, wear t-shirts, and I am a vegetarian. Now, with that being said I feel that Michael Vick served his time in prison, lost millions of dollars in endorsement and salary. He has done what the state and federal governments asked him to do. He should not continually be punished by not being able to resume his career. Playing in the NFL is a job and has nothing to do with fighting dogs. Michael Vick is an athlete. He is not a role model to kids.Playing in the NFL was his job. He paid his time and should be allowed to move on with his life. He knows what he did. No athlete, singer, etc. should be. Parents you need to be role models to your children. You should be teaching them right from young and leading by example so your children won't have to go outside your homes to find a role model.

Posted by: Lori | June 2, 2009 02:13 AM

I posted a little while ago and I was very angry I will admit that I apologize if I was rude to anyone. However I do want to say to some people that have responded to these comments.

Corey- If I knew where you were talking about that serves dogs you can put your money on it that I would have it shut down by the end of the week!

To everyone that thinks he has learned... A lot of other people have written what I wrote as well.... Someone that could torture a creature whether it be a dog, cat, etc. in such horrible manners is a high risk to harm a human being. I have one question for all the people that say that dogs and humans aren't the same thing....and so on. Well if you don't want to talk about how he tortured them and murdered them then lets talk about the fact that he did have all of a dogs teeth pulled out (Don't forget he actually did have this done now)so she couldn't fight off the dog he was trying to mate her with...that is taking a defense mechanism away from a female woman like her teeth or her finger nails... and when you strap that dog to a rape stand... that is like tying that same woman up and then raping her. And he did this for profit to his dog. What part of that did the dog deserve. Please inform me all of you supporters that think that he deserves another chance...
Plus the things that he did to these animals whether it was for money or fame or what not are still horrible things to do. And the reason that he is targeted is because of his status and you are correct! Even if he was not famous he would still have the wrath of the people that do care for animals. But for some reason I don't know why people don't get it. He is the example because of his "status" the message will get out that dog-fighting for one and animal abuse is not tolerated.

Oh and someone tried to blame one of the organizations for at first wanting to put the dogs to sleep.... well we put to sleep the humans that murder other humans. Well these dogs unfortunately had no choice but to obey the guardian that was unfortunately placed upon them. And had to fight for their lives and to survive their owners....(that would be Vick for all you in denial).

Also another statement I would like to put out there... you are on the PETA website....Just in case you forgot. And I think I can speak for a lot of the supporters that we do have strong feelings for how humans are treated and how rapists and murders and so on are being punished.... but then again we would go to another website to state our opinions on that or pass laws and etc. for that.

I do not hate the man or the men that hurt these animals. I actually feel sorrow and pain for people that could hurt something that was created by God. I feel so sorry for his children because when they want a puppy they might have to worry if Daddy is going to feed it to the fight dogs.

I don't think hate, anger and insult is going to bring an end to any debate let alone this one. Vick supporters you have nothing and we have heard you all over and over again. So if you don't want to make the world a better place for all of God's creations we get it and we will try to pick up the slack for you as well.

And well if you don't like what we are saying.....well here is a brilliant idea don't come to this website!

Posted by: Farnoosh | June 4, 2009 12:54 AM

Hello J.O. May 20, 09 12:44pm

I fully subscribe your clear and sensible comment in response to taross thomas.

Priorities' remind me 'those' who used (and sadly still use) the principle; 'first whites then coloured', or ' first men then women' etc.

And more:
- ... there is a red line between animals and human species.
As soon as the first are cruelly 'touched' (i.e. to torture, kill etc) by the second ( i.e. homo sapiens, ah! ah! ), the latter is ready 'to touch' (to torture, kill etc) his own specie
annamaria sette de paolis

Posted by: annamaria sette de paolis | June 5, 2009 02:29 PM

This comment goes back some as I haven't kept up on this most important subject. Making this story available helps alot, in terms of those who care about animals-and to break it down further--our beloved pets. Truly so wonderful and rewarding to have in our lives. This post is to --"United States of America"--U may have chosen this name but in no way do U represent the USA.. Can't you just put your name?...... Let's see--I'm sorry my friend for the sad tales of woe in your early years--Then, it seems u discovered Vick who became a major character in your life. Firstly, why did you pick Vick and give him so much power and influence in your life. I mean who is Vick? Yeah he's a decent football player, but he's more of a good looking-impressive, stature kind of guy. United, can't you see now that now you are older and perhaps wiser things are not always what they seem. And people are not always what they appear to be. For gods sake find yourself another idol--clearly Vicks does not fit the bill. He's a criminal and an animal I know this jams you up abit. But be a better man and take my word here. Jesus, have you seen all the tape and charges against Vicks.

Posted by: Danton Scholle | June 9, 2009 08:10 PM

He is truely a heartless man, if that's what you really want to call him. I have absolutely no resepect for him and anyone like him.

Posted by: Angelina Cantela | June 10, 2009 07:44 PM

i personally thought the penalty was too harsh. If you are going to crusade against dogfighting, then go to the country and stop cockfighting, go to the dogtracks and stop greyhounds from racing. sport is sport...whether its bloodsport or not....unfortunately you only as good as your last...and if you are not better then...you are done.

I personally think Mike made a bad choice in bankrolling the operation...but lets be honest...if he weren't in the NFL....would this even be a big deal?

Posted by: C.L | June 12, 2009 09:38 PM

dante stallworth killed a man while drunk and got 24 days in prison!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!dante stallworth killed a man and got 24 days ......... hello

Posted by: a. Williams | June 18, 2009 07:48 PM

All the people who think Vick should not be able to play in the NFL are wrong. He did his time in jail and like other people said football is not a privilege for him it's a job. People who get out of prison have the rite to work. There are some NFL players who killed someone while driving under the influence and are still playing. They took a human life not a dog's. So Michael Vick has should play in the NFL.

Posted by: Jack | July 4, 2009 04:24 PM

To berk anderson.
This is not a blog on helping children you ignorant bastard. This is for people that WORK for animal rights not just own pets. Like seriously, I hate kids. I do not want to better a kid's life I do not want to be affiliated with them. And also I was just so mad so I'm not saying that you're mentally disturbed. However, I do think you have a severe lack of priority and I'm guessing since you're a high school football coach you must have the intelligence of a door knob. See, at least I admit to being a jerk instead of defending myself, with no real point behind that message.

Posted by: chelsea stuebner | July 10, 2009 03:34 PM

If Peta doesn't protest his return, I will be very disappointed in them. If Michael Vick had fought dogs, but after the fights taken care of his dogs (I HATE DOG FIGHTING) MAYBE, I would say give him a second chance, he served his time. BUT, to electrocute, or hang, or drown or beat a dog after a fight because it didn't win is completely barbaric. I would love to electrocute him when he throws an interception. If he's allowed to play (GOD FORBIB)let him make 10.00 an hour and give the rest of his money for animal shelters for abused animals.
PETA don't allow him to return to football. These guys are suppose to be role models.

Posted by: Karon Morin | July 28, 2009 09:58 AM

well let those who haven't sinned cast the first stone, dante stallworth killed a person drunk driving but i guess thats ok because he didn't kill a dog, ray lewis killed someone i guess thats ok and they are role models and you people seem to overlooked people getting killed but i forgot animals are more important, learn to forgive people, i don't agree with what he did at all i have a pitbull and i love my dog but i'm a forgiving person and to the people who's not you people wonder why the world is crazy now

Posted by: Tae | July 28, 2009 10:59 PM

Vick was severely wrong in his conduct and his lack of compassion for the dogs, and by extension, his lack of compassion for many of us who love all living animals (including humans). PETA was correct to go after Vick. However, what is PETA's ultimate goal? If a dog mauls a child or another human being or living soul, would the dog, taking into consideration its past treatment, automatically be a candidate for a death sentence? I don't think so.

Vick's ultimate treatment should not be to terminate his future. It should be to rehabilitate him now for a prosperous future. He has a unique skill set and a unique position in our society to serve, especially at this point in this process and his life, and to tell his story as only he can.

Everyone makes mistakes. And as a counter to the person who said that "my bible condemns the sick perverse behavior of Michael vick. the slaughter of the lambs indeed", the Bible also talks about redemption. Let's work to recover this lost soul.

Posted by: Jeffro (The Father of Moses spelled differently) | August 11, 2009 05:20 PM