On Tuesday I wrote about more “Bad Newz” for Michael Vick and hoped there’d be more coming. Guess what? There was! (Already!)
Animal rights groups like the ASPCA, PETA, and the HSUS have been battling for a long time to eliminate the inhumane world of dogfighting. They have to take it step-by-step because legislation differs from state to state. (They’ve made progress over the years, as at least now there’s some sort of dogfighting legislation on most books. However, there are still plenty of loopholes. For example, in Georgia dogfighting is a felony, but it’s legal to possess dogs for fighting and to be a spectator at a dogfight.)
But then comes along Michael Vick and the issue suddenly gains a national high profile. Animal rights groups saw their chance to really make a difference and set to work immediately.
PETA organized protests, and both PETA and the HSUS put up links on their sites for animal lovers to send emails to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calling for Vicks suspension. PETA also had a link to send an email to Nike executives demanding them to drop Vick. The ASPCA began working with federal investigators on the case.
Plus, the animal rights groups contacted those of us who support them. They asked for our help sending the emails, donating money to fight the fight, contacting local legislators, helping shelters with fighting dogs in their care, etc. And we responded.
You know what I have to say to all of you out there who did something?
You did an AMAZING job!!! WELL DONE!
What You’ve Accomplished So Far
• Nike suspended their contract with Vick. (If he’s found not guilty they’ll consider renewing business with him, though.)
“Nike has suspended Michael Vick’s contract without pay, and will not sell any more Michael Vick product at Nike-owned retail at this time.” ~Nike’s official statement.
• Reebok has stopped selling replica Vick jerseys in stores, both brick-and-mortar and online.
“While we respect the legal process we find the allegations against Mr. Vick too disturbing to ignore, therefore, we have decided to immediately suspend selling Vick NFL product, both at retail and online through the Reebok website.” ~Reebok’s official statement.
• Donruss, a trading card company, won’t have any Vick cards in any more 2007 releases.
This is all due to YOUR emails, calls, and otherwise expressed outrage.
“The Humane Society of the United States said … some 165,000 e-mails were sent to Nike through the group’s Web site.” ~From “Nike Suspends Vick Contract Without Pay” by Paul Newberry, AP Sports Writer
Like I said before, “Job well done!”
But it’s not over yet. Keep up the good work. Vick’s trial is set for November 26.
I’d like to thank fellow Pets Blogger Aimee Amodio for passing along the FYI about the Paul Newberry article. Thanks, Aim!
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