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NFL urged to add animal abuse to official policy
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In light of the fact that Michael Vick has been welcomed back into the arms of the NFL - the international animal protection organization, In Defense of Animals (IDA) has
sent a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell requesting the NFL to add the illegal activities dog fighting and cockfighting to the “criminal offense” section of its Personal Conduct Policy.
IDA believes that if the NFL adopts an official policy such as this - the message would be passed down through the college and high school football systems and it would help stop these cruel practices against innocent animals from gaining popularity among young impressionable athletes.
The IDA news release stated, “The NFL has already acknowledged that its responsibility extends beyond producing great athletes, to producing positive role models. The NFL’s 2008 Personal Conduct Policy prohibits not only illegal but also “irresponsible” conduct, and declares that the standard for conduct of NFL players is “considerably higher” than just avoiding criminal activity. Players must conduct themselves in a way that “promotes the values upon which the League is based.”
IDA President, Dr. Elliot Katz has asked Michael Vick to personally and publicly endorse this new policy.
The press statement also stated, “Dog fighting is a crime in all 50 states and cockfighting is illegal in 48 states. Animal cruelty is not only condemned, but is recognized as the most consistent predictor of violence against humans. By specifically including dog fighting and cockfighting in its list of “criminal offenses” the NFL would be steering young men clear of activities that will bring them, their families and society greater pain.”
The organization is urging the NFL to officially show people that torturing animals is not tolerated and participating in these activities will eliminate any chance for success on or off the field.
Twenty-six of pit bull dogs rescued from Michael Vick's dog fighting ring were rehabilitated at the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. Many of those dogs have gone on to be adopted to new families.
Photo: HSUS
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