Philadelphia is going to the dogs – or not. Many Philadelphians including some on city council are reconsidering what they call a “knee jerk” adverse reaction to animal cruelty.
When Michael Vick was first charged with cruelty to animals and killing dogs, many Philadelphians were understandably upset. But there’s been a change of heart in the city of brotherly love since Michael Vick has brought the Philadelphia Eagles into first place in the NFC East.
One Philadelphian wondered if perhaps the dogs deserved what Vick had done. “We weren’t there,” he said. “We don’t know what those dogs did to him.”
With Vick’s contract coming to an end and some suspecting that Vick could be playing elsewhere next year, many Philadelphians say they’re willing to reconsider the ban on animal cruelty if Vick re-signs with the Eagles.
Some animal rights activists in Philadelphia are even supporting a repeal of the ban but are urging Vick to limit his torture and slaughter to less beloved animals. They’re urging the football star to perhaps strangle guinea pigs or kick squirrels to death. But they quickly add that they’re willing to negotiate if that’s a deal breaker.
When Vick was a second string quarterback many Philadelphians were unhappy with Vick even being on the team. But since Vick stepped in for the injured Kevin Kolb and surpassed everyone’s expectations, Philadelphians are suddenly fond of talking about “forgiveness,” “redemption” and “second chances.”
Those who say that they don’t want Vick representing this city have been advised to stop being so judgemental or just move out of the city if they don’t like it.
In a show of solidarity and empathy with Vick, jersey sales with Vick’s number are rising through the roof. One can expect that many children in Philadelphia will be receiving Vick jerseys under the Christmas tree this year.
Local veterinarians have also suggested bringing terminally ill animals to the Eagles locker room before games and locking them in with the quarterback a few minutes before game time.
One veterinarian offered that this isn’t the time to scream about right and wrong when there’s a possible playoff run in the making.
Philadelphia proves the old adage: To err is human, to win is divine.
December 8, 2010 at 6:51 pm
Very funny, but excuse my football pedantry…
"When Michael Vick was first charged with cruelty to animals and killing dogs, many Philadelphians were understandably upset."
Many Atlantians were upset when he was first charged. Philadelphians were probably happy since that was one less team to worry about 😉
December 8, 2010 at 7:34 pm
You know, last time I checked, you were Christian. You know, all that stuff about redemption and forgiveness and such? That's supposed to be your ball of wax.
I was enraged when the Eagles signed Vick, but he has shown real change, real humility and is, thus far, making the best of his second chance. He hasn't been in any trouble, he works for charities, he is paying back his creditors, he is doing everything that was asked of him and more.
Many of Vick's dogs were given second chances. They were adopted and retrained and are now living their lives happily. Too bad you can't seem to see that a human being might deserve such a thing, too.
December 8, 2010 at 8:04 pm
I'll second PersonalFailure's take.
Vick did his time, lost a good deal of money and prestige, and STILL is (apparently) repentant.
Or you could have Favre, to whom none-of-the-above applies, right?
December 8, 2010 at 8:16 pm
I can't believe this nation sends men to prison for dog fighting. There oughta be a law against that.
December 8, 2010 at 9:21 pm
The piece is about how Philadelphia is now embracing Vick because of his football abilities when in the beginning of the year, many were deadset against him playing in Philadelphia.
December 9, 2010 at 10:58 pm
I'd love to think this is a joke…but my brother lived in Philly. Sounds real to me. They love their "Iggles". Plus, considering that aside from the the Phillies, the city's sports teams are choke artists, I guess they need all the help they can get.
December 11, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Its OK Matt, since you are a new jersey giants fan I understand your limited ability to grasp the concept of forgiveness, along with the fact that eli is not a good QB. We love our Iggles and it did take a lot of prayer to get around to forgiving Vick. But he has genuinely changed, it really is miraculous. That being said, I found this piece very funny.
December 12, 2010 at 2:50 am
Matt
I love you guys dearly, but as someone who works in animal rescue and has two rescued bait dogs for pets – this was NOT funny. Dog fighting is NOT a laughing matter. Why not spend a night at the PSPCA and watch dogs being brought in held together only by duct tape while blood seeps out from their wounds… their faces mauled to shreds… and those are the ones who were lucky to escape alive. Those who did not "perform well" are often electrocuted by shoving a cattle prod up the anus, drowned, beaten, strangled, etc. Yes, Michael Vick indeed did the above with his own hands. He and his partner held a dog like a jump rope (each had a pair of legs) and swung it around like a jump rope – slamming it to the ground until the dog had died a very painful and brutal death.
Apparently, more education is needed into the reality of dog fighting. Anyone who finds it amusing is one sick, twisted individual. I hardly think God would find it amusing or acceptable.
As for the "anonymous above" who questioned why people go to jail for dog fighting? I invite that individual to spend some time at the PSPCA in northeast Philly as well. Did y'all know that most serial killers started out by abusing animals? Once that thrill was gone, they worked their way up through the "human chain" to get their rush. Do the homework.
Sorry to be a "party pooper," but like I said – dog fighting isn't funny…. and those who work with me are still waiting to see proof of Vick's sincerity and "change." Although we have 'forgiven,' we're far from fooled.