The ASPCA Makes A Comment On Michael Vicks

ASPCA Issues Comment on Reinstatement of Michael Vick to NFL

The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today issued a statement from ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres in response to suspended NFL star and convicted dogfighter Michael Vick's conditional reinstatement to the National Football League.

New York (Vocus/PRWEB ) July 28, 2009 -- The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today issued a statement from ASPCA President and CEO Ed Sayres in response to suspended NFL star and convicted dogfighter Michael Vick's conditional reinstatement to the National Football League:

"Leaders are challenged to make difficult decisions on a daily basis--often under intense scrutiny and pressure," said Sayres. "Commissioner Roger Goodell's decisions surrounding the Michael Vick case are no exception. While his decision to reinstate Mr. Vick undoubtedly will be met with cheers by some and derision by others, it is clear that the Commissioner has been particularly thoughtful and has weighed every factor in his deliberations. The ASPCA can only offer him our gratitude for the gravity to which he has lent the issue of animal cruelty, as well as the provisions that the Commissioner has set forth to ensure that Mr. Vick has a positive impact on the NFL and his community.

"Opportunities for redemption are rare -- but that is exactly the opportunity that awaits Mr. Vick. We hope that he rises to the occasion and proves worthy of the rare second chance Commissioner Goodell has granted him."

The ASPCA worked closely with federal authorities at every step of the case, first assisting in the investigation itself through the involvement of Dr. Melinda Merck, senior director of Veterinary Forensics with the ASPCA, and later when Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, CAAB, executive vice president of ASPCA Programs, led a team of several Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists in the behavior evaluations of the seized dogs.

Media Contact:
Andy Izquierdo, andyi(at)aspca(dot)org, 917.484.0240 (cell)

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.


I feel that the NFL's greed has gotten in the way here, yes we are all welcome to a second chance in life. But don’t tell me that Vicks has shown anything about being remorseful when the guy just only got out of jail.
I thought that we need to earn our trust and respect back first before we can show that we mean well. I know the commissioner Roger Goodell will be hearing a lot of different views from the fans and from the dog lovers. I just don’t understand the ASPCA statement so soon after all that Vick did to those dogs.

So what’s your thoughts on Michael Vicks return.