Riding on Vick’s Bloodstained Coattails
Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, says the American people—like HSUS itself—should not only forgive Michael Vick, we should embrace him. But where’s the quid pro quo?
Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, says the American people—like HSUS itself—should not only forgive Michael Vick, we should embrace him. But where’s the quid pro quo?
After almost twenty years working to reform the humane movement, to bring it back to its original mission of saving lives, I have experienced many unexpected and heartbreaking moments of animals being betrayed by their so-called protectors. But last week was especially brutal, when not only the Humane Society of the United States, but other national groups released statements either supporting the reinstatement of Michael Vick, the most notorious animal abuser of our time, into the National Football League (NFL).
The award-winning documentary which was inspired by the book, Fifteen Legs, tells the story of heroes who go the extra mile (often thousands of miles) to save the lives of dogs and cats from shelters that kill. It is now airing on PBS stations across the country and includes extended commentary by me.
The Confederacy of Dunces is aligning themselves against me. In fact, the Confederacy will align themselves against anyone who seeks any progress in this movement. Ask anyone who has ever tried to build a better society, regardless of the field. The status quo always has its champions. And when that status quo is regressive, as the humane movement has been over the care and treatment of sheltered animals, rest assured the Confederacy will be also.
What would it take for San Francisco to become No Kill? Numerically speaking, it would mean bumping up the save rate a paltry 10%, or roughly 500 additional dogs and cats who are losing their lives at the hands of ACC staff each year. That would amount to just over one additional animal saved per day: either through adoption, or reclaim, or neuter/release of a feral cat.
The most notorious animal abuser of our time was just given what he wanted most by being reinstated in the National Football League. I have to wonder how much Michael Vick played up his association with Wayne Pacelle and the Humane Society of the United States in his meetings with the Commissioner and others who held his fate in their hands. How he is now an HSUS spokesman. How the nation’s largest animal protection organization is now in his corner. How they forgave him, so why shouldn’t the NFL?
Some groups are suggesting we have to accept the inevitability of some killing of even friendly, healthy dogs in the case of the roughly 400 dogs and puppies seized from dog fighters and being held in a Missouri humane society. That viewpoint is defeatist and wrong. Our message: no more killing.
Ferris orders mass killing but ACO says “No,” shelter Directors kill dog and lies to cover it up, a shelter rejects its killing past, DNA testing to the rescue, the cost of saving lives, and jobs in Houston.
The Humane Society of the United States issued a statement today saying it is assisting in the care of the dogs seized in the recent multi-state dog fighting raid, but does not commit to actually saving their lives. Meanwhile, the Humane Society of Missouri reaches out to rescue groups, with preconditions. With the lives of roughly 400 dogs and puppies hanging in the balance, we must demand more…
Is “the economy” to blame for increased killing? Do shelters drive people to a life of crime? More optimistic news from Missouri? Is it ethical to spay pregnant animals? And more…