Posted October 2, 2007 by peta2 staff
You may not believe it, but it’s true. Confessed dogfighter and former football star Michael Vick recently spent some time at PETA headquarters to take our “Developing Empathy for Animals”course to learn some basic facts about why what he did to those dogs was so wrong.
To start off, we explained that PETA still believes he should serve jail time and have a lifetime ban on contact with animals, despite his willingness to learn about the importance of these issues. Taking this one course doesn’t get him off the hook. Nevertheless, during his visits to our office, Vick learned about the connections between violence towards animals and that of people, watched The Rev. Al Sharpton’s gruesome KFC video, and studied the ways in which all animals are individuals who deserve to be treated with compassion and respect.
Michael Vick offered an apology to PETA and to “everyone” for “what I have done to dogs.” A few days after this visit, Vick came back to our office to take a test to confirm that the very basic lessons about animals we taught him actually did sink in—and he passed. And while we’re by no means BFF with Vick now—we still believe he should go to jail for a long time—we hope his colossal mistakes will serve as a lesson to all those out there who are in similar situations.
Let it be clear that cruelty to animals is never acceptable and those who are involved in dogfighting and other atrocious acts of violence should immediately stop.
Just as Michael Vick is now being forced to think about cruelty to animals through the “Developing Empathy for Animals” course, we hope everyone will stop and think about the daily choices we all make. Whether an animal is abused for our tastebuds, entertainment, or lip gloss, there is no place for such cruelty in any civilized society.
Please join PETA and ask the NFL to require all of their players to attend PETA’s “Developing Empathy for Animals” course.
And please share this information with your friends and family.
-Pulin
peta2 Street Team Coordinator + lover of vegan food, cats, animal rights, Dawson's Creek, and Harry Potter.
Too long to explain here, it's long enough for a novel.
Father loves to farm, be self sustainable, loves to read, he's a antiques/vintage auctioneer, art student, and looks like mr. Rogers. My mother is a Montessori teacher and is amazing with children, all about local organic foods, loves gardening, cooking etc. my sister who is nine years older than me was into indie music and introduced me to all sorts of things at a young age. This all rubbed of on me and from that base I grew into similar things. I'm an INFJ
I'm tall, a geek, nacho - obsessed, I love sewing and Cath Kidston, also I'm vegetarian (wannabe vegan.)
Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
I love animals about as much as rock, heavy metal, tea, and coffee. Hoping to make a difference and help animals through PETA!!!
I want to get into marketing but not have to rely on people which have different morals and worldviews than I do to hire me. While I'm figuring this out, I want to show everyone what I believe in and spur them into action against injustices.
Life On A Tour Bus
I am Angela. When I am not helping animals I am listening to music, reading, or playing video games. My spirit animal is a fox and I love nature. What else is there to know? Want to know anything about me, need advice or anything message me :)
1987 days ago
0
MICHEAL VICK ONLY GOT 23 MONTHS!!!!!!! i cant get over this ridiculous sentence!!! he should ALOT more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2048 days ago
0
yayayyayayayay i love dogs! He is a meanie to dogs!!!
2050 days ago
0
PETA WOW!! YOU GUYS ARE WONDERFUL… YOUR ALWAYS MAKING SUCH A DIFFERENCE! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. YOUR MY INSPIRATION!
DEF LOVE YOU GUYS.
2055 days ago
0
Hey i am really glad that you guys are doing this to VIcks
I will Always support PETA!!!!
2055 days ago
0
Hey guys, i just wanted to say that i was watching the news this morning, and they were talking about Michael Vick and PETA!
One news anchor thought that PETA stood for People Eating Tasty Animals, but then the other news anchor said that it was People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Not too important, but i just thought i would tell you guys about that and letting you know that you guys are very well known to people all over now, becuase my friend was watching the same thing and called to tell me that she saw it on T.V. too.