WASHINGTON — Michael Markarian, executive vice president of external affairs for The Humane Society of the United States, issued the following statements in response to Michael Vick's guilty plea to state dogfighting charges:
"We had hoped that the Commonwealth of Virginia would send a stronger message that dogfighting crimes are cruel and unacceptable. Nevertheless, Michael Vick is already paying his debt to society with a federal prison sentence, and his example has demonstrated to people across the country that dogfighting is a dead-end activity that can jeopardize your freedom and your future.
"Tens of thousands of dogfighters are still active in the United States, engaging in the same cruel and inhumane behavior that Michael Vick pleaded guilty to. We are dedicating our time and energy to putting those individuals out of business, and rooting out dogfighting from every community across America. In the past year, dogfighting arrests have doubled, 14 states and the U.S. Congress have upgraded penalties for animal fighting, and The Humane Society of the United States has trained more than 2,000 law enforcement officers on how to conduct animal fighting investigations. Although significant progress has been made in the battle against dogfighting, there is much more to be done and we will continue our vigorous efforts to eradicate the cruel blood sport."
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 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 humanesociety.org.
