August 2009

Animal Fighting

In light of recent events, the staff here at NHES feels it necessary to restate our original position statement regarding animal fighting. NHES abhors animal fighting, and therefore, the actions of Michael Vick. We feel that his prison sentence should have been more substantial and are not satisfied with the amount of time he served. However, we are grateful that Vick was prosecuted and found guilty, and that his offenses helped bring a great deal of media attention to the dog fighting issue.

NHES neither advocated for, nor against, Michael Vick’s reinstatement to the NFL. Now that he has indeed been reinstated, it is our most sincere hope that he will stand true to his word to be “part of the solution and not the problem” of dog fighting. NHES feels that Vick has an obligation to be a positive role model, demonstrating kindness and compassion toward animals, and advocating on their behalf—specifically in the area of dog fighting.

As many of us know, dog fighting has been around for a long time as a form of “entertainment” with no regard for the well-being of the sentient creatures who are destroyed in the process. This has been true throughout history, and regrettably remains true today, regardless of the fact that it is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Dog fights are staged in pits, where spectators gamble on the outcome of the fight, and on the streets, where rival gangs battle for status.

The number one dog-fighting breed: pit bulls. This breed is known for their unyielding loyalty to their guardians, which is the reason they will fight to the death on their guardians’ whim. It is also the reason pit bulls make excellent human companion animals—they have a great desire to please and learn. It is unfortunate the bad reputation this breed has suffered in the media the past few years. Any well-trained dog—pit bulls included—will not attack under stressful circumstances. The finger of blame should be pointed at the careless breeders and guardians of these dogs rather than the breed itself. NHES advocates compassionate understanding and interaction with the pit bull breed.

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