The Humane Society of the United States Reacts to Vick Apology

August 27, 2007

Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, offered these additional comments on his blog. For additional statements from The Humane Society of the United States, please contact 301-548-7778. 

Michael Vick just made a live, direct statement to the public regarding his circumstance. What he said today was spot on. 

I felt real sympathy for Vick in watching him speak. I saw a man whose life has been turned upside down. No one can feel good about seeing someone take this kind of fall. It's tragic. 

I deplore what he did. Many animals experienced immense and sustained suffering at the hands of men who used their power in the wrong way. There's no defense for it, and Vick offered no excuse for it today. I am heartened that Michael Vick spoke about his mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, calling dogfighting "terrible" and indicating "I reject it."

I also was very pleased that Michael Vick noted how he failed America's young people. He apologized to them. Michael Vick now can tell a powerful, personal story and show young people that you must take responsibility for your actions and that dogfighting is not a benign hobby, but a sickening, barbaric and criminal action. The practice has been surging in urban centers around the nation, so that message is timely and relevant. 

To read daily comments from Wayne Pacelle go to waynepacelle.org

Broadcast-ready b-roll on dogfighting is available for media to download at:  video.hsus.org/

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at www.humanesociety.org.