Now this is a controversy I can get into. I have argued back and forth for and against the HSUS many times with many of you who read this blog.

I am re-posting this from the Care2 site. (Thank you Care2 but I just couldn’t have written it better.)

***Let me know what you think about the CCF (total bull**it group if you ask me), the HSUS, and the investigation.

The Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF) launched a watchdog project called HumaneWatch.org.  Their one goal is “to analyze the activities of the Humane Society of the United States,” an organization they say has “run off the rails.”

CCF thinks HSUS has gotten too big for their britches (do they still use that saying) and plans to bring them to their knees.  Through a blog by their Director of Research, David Martosko, a library and database they plan to scrutinize the group they refer to as “the animal rights industry’s most powerful player.”

HumaneWatch thinks the American public is being tricked by HSUS into believing their donations go primarily to local animal shelters to help individual cats and dogs, when most of the money actually goes toward legislative issues. 

Martosko said, “Someone has to ask the hard questions about the Humane Society of the United States, and HumaneWatch will be a relentless source of useful information.  Nearly 1 million Americans donate money to HSUS every year.  And most are completely unaware that they’re bankrolling PETA-style propaganda, far-reaching anti-meat campaigns, a huge staff of lawyers, and bloated pension plans for HSUS executives.”

As a co-founder of a local animal welfare organization and someone who has worked in animal rescue for more than a decade, I wish HSUS spent more money and time helping individual shelters, rescue groups and animals.  But I also see the necessity for groups like HSUS that are powerful, national organizations with the financial capability to initiate laws to protect animals and go after industries that abuse them.  

The HSUS website doesn’t look like they are trying to hide anything from the public. It states their main goal is to create a “humane and sustainable world for animals” and it talks at great length about their advocacy programs.  It doesn’t promise to give funds to “humane societies that deal with the thankless task of sheltering unwanted pets” – as stated by HumaneWatch. 

People visiting the website can easily access information about the organization’s latest financial statements and tax returns, which clearly explain how donations are used.  The website also lists the accomplishments made by HSUS from years past through the present. 

In 2010 their influence has already been felt in these areas:

• They worked with Ohioans for Humane Farming on a ballot question in the state.
• They rebuilt an animal shelter in Louisiana with a $250,000 grant.
• They are working with Missourians for the Protection of Dogs to end puppy mills through measure on the November 2010 ballot.
• HSUS took a large department store to court for mislabeling clothing with fur.
• They raided cockfighting operations in Texas and Mississippi, along with local law enforcement agencies.
• HSUS sent a team of veterinarians to Haiti to help animals that were victimized in the earthquake.

It appears the HSUS is being targeted by HumaneWatch because their success has touched a nerve with the members of CCF.  This is especially true in the realm of humane legislation.  According to Wayne Pacelle, CEO of HSUS the Center for Consumer Freedom represents factory farmers, the cattle industry, puppy mill operators and other corporations “working against public health.”

 In Pacelle’s blog he quotes a statement from Rick Berman of CCF the states the real reason behind the attack.  “With the passage of California’s Proposition 2, more people have come to realize the evolving threat of the power, influence, and growing wealth of the Humane Society of the United States.  Ballot initiatives and legislation similar to Prop. 2 will soon be introduced in more states.  HSUS’s massive budget, unwarranted positive public reputation, and deep-pocketed Hollywood friends will only become a greater threat to industry in a post –Proposition 2 business environment.  It is crucial that a key broad cross section of agriculture leaders start managing this nationwide threat now, before it is too late or too expensive to match HSUS dollar for dollar.”

 HSUS has been attacked before and come out the winner.  They will surely survive this bully tactic, as well. 

 However CCF has launched a massive PR campaign with Humane Watch and their press release made its way to hundreds of local newspapers, blogs and websites today.  If people only hear their point of view – innocent animals will be the ones to suffer. 

 Please help by setting the story straight. Research the background of CCF and speak out on behalf of animals.

*Graphic courtesy Care2 site as well. Thank you Care2.

PERCEPTION

By Jim Hughes
Kennel Spotlight Magazine, December 2009

* Thanks to Mary O’Conner Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs, a well-known and respected animal advocacy group, for sharing this article with us on Facebook. I recommend to everyone you join her Facebook Group, “Ohio Voters Against Puppy Mills and Dog Auctions,” by clicking here or on the previous Facebook link. You can also Google both Mary and Jim’s names and find a wealth of articles, information, and education materials about everything from puppy mills to dog auctions and animal welfare legislation.*

*Please note that this is an article promoting responsible breeders. I know you readers are used to hearing me talk about rescue, but, bottom line, there ARE in fact good breeders out there…*

So here’s Jim’s article:

In the human physic, there are two realms, actual facts and perceived facts. The perceived facts can get so imbedded into the mind that all of the actual facts to the contrary will not change that perception, even when seen with one’s own eyes. Our dogs do not care if we paint the kennel or not. It makes no difference to them, either way. But, it certainly makes a huge difference to John Q. Public. And TV news commentators are a part of John Q. This magazine (Kennel Spotlight) has preached to the choir for five years now. I have preached to the choir for 50 years; dang it! if it don’t beat all, but the choir ain’t listening.

We have lost the war. This war we have been raging against the Humaniacs of the world has been lost. We know that the message being delivered to the newspaper and television media personnel are, in the most part, outright, vicious lies. But John Q. has heard it so often, and with no rebuttal from our side, that he now believes that all puppy breeders are bad, somewhat lower than a child molester. We must take our message to the public at school fairs, county fairs, church functions, political rallies, PTA meetings, etc. Anywhere that sells booth space. Business Expos are an excellent place to display your kennel. But people, we must have something to talk about. We must put our best foot
forward and that is not the old status quo.

If you plan to save this dog breeding business, you must:

1. Get legal. Get a license, ALL licenses, USDA, State, County business, tax number etc.

2. Paint your buildings, fix your pens, wash your windows, repair your equipment, fix your hair, paint your face, take a bath. Look the part of the professional image you must present to old John Q. Public.

3. You must groom your dogs. They must look professional also. And socialize them. Give them some attention. It will be hard for the H.S. to convince a judge that you are abusing a well groomed, well fed, healthy, friendly little ball of energy.

4. Invite your public officials to inspect your facilities. Get your Veterinarian to write you a clean bill of health. Publically display any clean inspection reports. Have your Sheriff stop in and make him aware of the harassment the H.S. is sending out to all breeders.

5. Post NO TRESPASSING signs at every entrance to your property.

6. Allow no strangers onto your property until you have identified them, but then make them feel welcome and that you have nothing to hide.

7. Make sure that you have a lawyer already aware that when you need him, it will be on a minutes notice. Pay him a retainer if he needs one.

8. Volunteer to help at your local humane shelter. Get to know those people and become friends with them. “Know thy enemy”. Many of these people don’t even know you are the enemy.

9. Join your local breeder club. If you do not have one, form one. We, here in the Midwest, have many, too many, but the east coast has almost none. Most of the kennel raids take place on unlicensed, unorganized, east coast breeders.

10. Re-educate yourself. Change your thinking. Imagine yourself as John Q. Public. You know nothing except what the Humane Society tells you. Accept the fact that the public now expects you to raise your dogs in scrumptiously clean, well lighted, good smelling conditions. Somewhat like a retail Pet Shop.

11. Post a bulletin board with pictures and letters from satisfied customers. Resolve, within reason, any customer complaints before they hit the courts or the media.

If you refuse to adjust to the new way of thinking that H$U$ has forced upon you, you either need to get out of the business or you will be forced out, either by raid and confiscation or by legislation. Senator Durbin is too busy right now selling Obama ideas to the public, but he has a new Pups Bill ready to spring on Congress. As soon as he gets the time, he will introduce it and fight for its passage. Just look what Ed Rendell has done to Pennsylvania. People in power can and will make your life miserable. Those of you who think you are immune to USDA inspections because you only sell through the internet will find that the new bill was written with YOU in mind.

My crystal ball tells me that this bill will pass, even though we will fight against it. It will then become the duty of USDA to inspect these new licensees, but because of lack of manpower, they will be unable to do the job. Because of our current economic distress, they will not be allowed to hire more inspectors SO, guess what, the H$U$ WILL VOLUNTEER TO DO IT FOR THEM.

Am I being overly pessimistic? Possibly! But I find that the concerns I am voicing today are the same ones that I was voicing 20 years ago. The difference is that the enemy has gotten stronger, more determined, and better financed over the years. Sure, we win a battle, but the threat of next year is always hanging over us. We wear out, and we are just trying to make a living but they have a CAUSE and the zeal to pursue it to completion.

Shape up breeders, big brother is watching you!!!

A LONG time ago I wrote a post on the misperception of pit bulls. It seems that I have ruffled some feathers recently. Please take a look at the original post, and then these comments I posted below and tell me what you think.

Original Post: “The Misperception of Pit Bulls.”

Comments:

It appears that you are likening pit bulls to inanimate objects, which they are most certainly not.

As said in other posts, pit bulls are very emotional and loving dogs. But not all emotions are good. If a dog is very emotional, it can be very loving at times, or very angry or scared at others.

Pit bulls can act on their own. You don’t see guns chasing cats or cars. Cars don’t get aggressive and attack you when you walk by someone’s yard.

You also said, “. . . no one should blame a good dog ruined by the hands of ignorant people.” That is true, however, not all dogs are ‘good.’ While guns and cars all act the same way (or rather, not at all), dogs have different personalities and emotions.

You CAN train SOME dogs to not bite or act aggressive if it is frightened or threatened.
You CAN’T train ANY dog to never be frightened or angry.

 ”He will become mean because he’s afraid. It’s amazing what an abusive environment does to a dog-any dog. ”

This is a true statement. Depending on their environment, a dog will react and behave accordingly.

“Ultimately the irresponsible owner is the catalyst for any attack the dog may make. ”

This statement, however, is not true. Any dog, with any owner, responsible or not, can suddenly become aggressive or violence. Especially a mother dog with a litter of puppies.

A dog’s instincts are much more powerful than a humans, and instincts are a VERY deciding factor in how even a well trained dog will act.

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It is commonly known and well-researched that dogs become a product of the atmosphere they were raised in. If you raise them to be mean, they’ll be mean. If not, then they should obey.

Tell me what you think about this person’s comments please…I’m curious to know how others feel about my statements, which align with those of animal welfare organizations across the country. Thanks for participating in these discussions.

Today’s post is part of the Annual Pet ‘Net Event, sponsored by NBC Universal’s wonderful pet website, Petside.com. Today, in collaboration with pet bloggers across the country, we are drawing attention to safety issues regarding pets, from food and nutrition, to holiday, first-aid and travel safety. As ThoughtsFurPaws is very rescue-focused, I chose to specifically post about safety in bringing home a rescue pet or a formerly abused animal.

*Please take a look around at all the other wonderful blogs participating today; there is some fantastic information being presented to readers everywhere about pet safety. For a complete list of bloggers and topics, click here or see the press release here.*

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Rescuing a pet calls for certain safety measures, especially if that pet has been abused. Whether it’s a dog or cat, your new rescue pet may not acclimate as quickly as possible unless you provide the right type of environment and give him enough support and time.

According to Lissa Nicholson of the blog Forever Foster, who is a well-known and respected cat rescuer, taking in a pet that has been abused will take some work. “It is very important to make sure the person truly understands what they are getting into, are prepared for problems that may come up, and to make sure they know they can ask for help or advice if they need it,” she said.

People should have a plan in place before picking up their rescue pet, whether it’s a cat or a dog (or even a bird), and know that there is no “typical” behavior for an abused pet, although you may notice that they want to be alone, that they cower when you approach, or have other symptoms.

Nicholson's Rescue Kittens

Nicholson, who fosters rescue cats, says that those she’s fostered have all reacted quite differently.

“I’ve had three who were badly abused and two of them were the most easy-going of all my fosters,” she said. This is also my experience. When we rescued Gibson, our white Golden Retriever from the breeder who had severely neglected him, he was just happy to be in a safe place and was so relaxed, yet still withdrawn.

“To me, it underscores the importance for a potential adopter to really spend time with the individual kitty, and have proper discussions with foster parents about what they can reasonably expect from an individual animal,” she said.

A woman who I will refer to as Marie (she has requested anonymity because her rescue efforts are so far-reaching and potential issues could be caused if her name is drawn up anywhere) and her husband, who lost their dog to cancer last year and are known for fostering Golden Retrievers in the southern California area, said something similar about dogs. Marie is considered an expert in the field of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, and is considered a veteran expert.

A Second Chance Rescue Dog

“The first few nights they will be restless. Stress panting (in dogs) is common the first few days. The first time in a house they will generally check out every nook and cranny,” Marie said. “They may not sleep through the night but move around a lot. Some will cry or bark. They may not eat, or eat very little. Some may have an accident in the house or not go for a very long time. In extreme cases of abuse and/or fear they will freeze and drool if approached or belly crawl and stay in small places like under a bed.”

So what can you do as far as safety measures when you are taking in a rescue pet or an abused animal?

1. Do your own research and reading before you bring any pet home so you have a plan before you pick up your pet.

2. If you already have a pet at home, test the new pet with others before taking him home. You need to know if the rescue will get along with other animals. Some see animals already in the home as guides, some see them as a threat or get jealous. Make sure you know this before bringing the pet home.

3. Give the pet time to adjust to you. As Marie said, don’t expect the pet to be “huggy” and playing with you the first day home.

4. Make sure your tetanus vaccinations are up-to-date, and know that a bite wound will probably require a visit to the Dr.’s office and it may become infected, Nicholson recommends.

5. Take the time to learn the pet’s behavior. Marie said that many abused pets or even regular rescues, if not fostered, have never been in a home before or had positive human contact. They need time to learn that it’s a good thing.

6. Provide a “safe place” for the pet to go to alone, and leave him be when he’s there.

7. Don’t force yourself on the pet. Give them the space and peace and quiet that they need to adjust on their own time.

8. Let the pet approach you on his own terms: don’t force attention and affection.

9. Don’t rush the pet into new situations. Let them get used to their new home and then slowly introduce them to new surroundings.

10. Marie said that once trust is established, if you have a dog, try to take a positive reinforcement training class to further bond with him.

11. If you have a rescue cat, Nicholson recommends setting up a safe room with their food, some good hiding spots and litter box, then slowly let the cat out to roam around more of the house to get used to new sights and smells.

I got this email at random and just thought I’d share it with you all. Essentially this person, who must run this organization called DogPAC (I found various websites with this name and am not sure which one the correspondence came from), wants the Philadelphia Eagles to pay the equivalent of infamous Michael Vick’s salary to animal welfare organizations each year Vick is on the team.  Not really a bad idea actually…I could get behind this… Here’s what he wrote:

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Dear Jaime,
Are you as outraged as I am that the Philadelphia Eagles have signed Michael Vick?  I’m sure that you are, and you have every right to be.  Vick has admitted doing barbaric things to dogs, and the Eagles have shown horrible judgment by making him a member of their team.

The Eagles say that Vick will use his position to help save dogs and show kids that animal abuse is wrong.   That simply is not good enough. 

However, I believe that by working together we can make the Eagles put their money where their mouth is and do something very positive for dogs in Philadelphia. 

That’s why I’ve sent a letter to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie urging him to prove his team’s commitment to stopping dog abuse by donating AT LEAST the equivalent of Michael Vick’s salary to dog shelters and rescues every year that Vick is an Eagle.  That would mean donations of $1.6 million this year and $5 million next year, if Vick is still on the team.

Now I need your help to put public pressure on the Eagles organization to make this happen.  Please join me by sending an email to Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie telling him to prove his commitment to protecting dogs by agreeing to make these donations.

Click here to send an email to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie telling him to put his money where his mouth is to protect dogs.

The Eagles have said that they are giving Michael Vick a “second chance” by putting him on the team.  By making these substantial donations to rescues and shelters the Eagles could give a second chance to thousands of dogs that have been abused, maimed and tortured by dog fighting rings just like the one that Michael Vick ran. 

If they believe that Vick’s second chance is worth $1.6 million this year, then we believe it’s worth at least that much to give second chances to thousands of innocent dogs who otherwise would be destroyed.

Please help me convince the Eagles and Jeffrey Lurie that this is the right thing to do by sending him an email right now.

Thank you for your continuing support and for everything you do to help protect dogs in Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,
Tom Hickey, Sr.
DogPAC Chairman

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**Strangely enough, I, as many of you know, actually live in Ohio and am a staunch supporter of my state’s proposed and active animal welfare laws but PA is awful close to Cleveland…and hey, if sending an email helps out, then what’s the harm?

Let me know what you think about this idea in the Comments section.

On Saturday, I posted about Michael Vick’s first public speaking engagement as part of the Humane Society of the United States’ “team” of anti-dogfighting agents. I wanted to share some of the feedback with you that I got on the blog. Not one, but two people from HSUS came to defend their side of the picture, and other commenters were not happy. (I think this is a touchy issue.)

Anyhow, please see some of the comments below, then let me know how YOU feel in the Comments section.

From Samantha: “What insanity! I totally agree with you. HE should be the one demanding widespread publicity before he appears somewhere, especially in neighborhoods such as the one in Atlanta. That way, the public he needs to reach would be “allowed” to attend and hear what he has to say. One wonders if he’s truly been rehabilitated if the scores of folk who need to hear his message aren’t invited. Crazy.”

From Jan: “I think they are trying to avoid a media circus and to make sure Vick stays on task. He was well known for flipping off fans and the media in his playing days.”

From Carie at HSUS: “It wasn’t that the event was not well-attended. It was that it was heavily controlled. From the AJC: “The organization wanted to maintain a “controlled setting” and to avoid “Vick mania,” -Wayne Pacelle, HSUS President and CEO.
This is not about the media. It’s not about publicity. It’s about reaching one kid, one person prone to dogfighting, at a time.”

From Khyra’s Mom: “Time will tell how khontrite he really is…”

From Fui and Suey: “It just sounds weird to us. I get the ‘one person at a time’ theory, but then is a speech really the way to go about it?”

From Mia: “I agree with Fui and Suey. Yeah 1 kid at a time sounds nice, but is it realistic?? I dont think so… I think they need to bring in as many people as possible to these speaking engagements.”

From AnimalLuvr: “1 kid at at time is not what we need right now Carie. We need a massive overhaul of the dogfighting scene in inner cities, we dont have the time to go 1 kid at a time on this one. This is pointless. And irritating. HSUS was willing to take him on but then wants to avoid the media? WTF??”

From TrueAgendas: “re: “This is not about the media. It’s not about publicity…” ~ oh, please.  HSUS gets negative publicity every time Vick is mentioned nowadays – but it’s still publicity. D&D/AD&D gamers, remember the initial controversy when the public thought kids were actually casting spells? Yep. That bad publicity drove sales through the ceiling.  Publicity = more product/ideas sold = more $$$ in the coffers. At $100M+ in liquid income assets (2008), HSUS is all over that.”

From Sarah at HSUS: “I also work at the HSUS – First I would recommend that you visit http://hsus.typepad.com/wayne/2009/06/charity-navigator.html. To quote from the blog, Ken Berger, president and CEO of Charity Navigator, wrote in his letter to The HSUS, “Only 7% of the charities we rate have received at least 4 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that The Humane Society of the United States consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other charities in America.“ @Shelia As you probably know, the HSUS has a policy of recommending that all dogs seized from such operations be professionally evaluated to determine whether they are suitable candidates for adoption. Before you get upset – to address the NC case specifically, the HSUS has issued a statement on this, which states that fighting dogs confiscated in raids against organized dogfighting rings should be indivually evaluated before their future is determined. In the case of the dogs seized from professional dogfighter Ed Faron in North Carolina, the HSUS offered to pay for such an evaluation. North Carolina officials however, decided they were bound by state and county law to act as they did. Defining and advocating sensible policies for the humane treatment of animal victims of dogfighting is an important issue, and we are engaged in dialogue with a number of groups with a keen interest in that topic. We welcome the Combating the scourge of illegal dogfighting is a top priority of The HSUS, and should be a major concern of all animal-loving Americans.  Debates within the humane movement are healthy and valuable – but no one should lose sight of the fact that dogfighters themselves are at the root of suffering that staggers the soul.  A single dogfighting breeder like Faron could doom 1,000 dogs or more to bloodly, violent deaths each year in this criminal underground.

Michael Vick, fresh back to the streets of Atlanta, made his first Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) ”sponsored” speech today in inner city Atlanta.  Surprisingly, not too many people showed up because no one knew he was coming… what’s the point of getting him to speaking engagements if no one is allowed in or its not publicized…?

From The Charlotte Observer website:

“Michael Vick returned to the area that once celebratd his brilliant play on the football field, this time for the first of what he vows will be dozens of appearances around the country to urge low-income youths to avoid the tragic trail left by dogfighting.

Few got to hear Saturday’s message, however.

Vick’s visit to a suburban Atlanta community center was largely off limits to the very neighborhood it was supposed to be helping. In an agreement between Vick’s handlers and the HSUS, only 55 people and one media crew were allowed inside.  An Associated Press reporter, videographer and photographer were among the media banished from the property by police.

Most people who live in the largely black neighborhood southeast of Atlanta were unaware of Vick’s appearance. Several showed up after the former Falcons quarterback had already left in a black limousine.

“Not too many people knew he was going to be here,” said Stan Sutton, who stopped by the New Life Community Center Center to pick up some clothes and wound up being one of the few invited inside to hear speak. “There would have been a lot more people here than there are now. The whole Eastside would have been here.”"

To read the rest of the article, click here.

For more info about the “team” Vick is working with from HSUS, click here.

My question is…with all the stigma attached to the HSUS/Vick partnership, and all the controversy that’s been associated with this deal, why are his appearances not being more publicized and why isn’t more community participation being invited in by the “team?” What’s the point of doing it if no one is allowed in, or the number of people allowed to attend is so low? How are you ever going to reach into the heart of an inner city youth population with only 55 people listening…?

What do you think? Share your thoughts with me in the Comments section.

Michael Vick’s Virginia hometown is preparing a “celebration” on Aug 8th for the former NFL quarterback.

The planner for this atrocity is Andrew Shannon, SCLC Chapter President. You can contact him at (757) 877-0792.  Fax: 757 313-9615, email:  sclc@cox.net

PLEASE LET HIM KNOW THAT VIOLENT CRIMINALS SHOULD NOT BE CELEBRATED.

Background:

Michael Vick was identified in April 2007 as “the key figure” of an extensive unlawful interstate dogfighting ring operating over a period of five years, leading to massive negative publicity and separate federal and state felony charges and convictions under plea agreements, as well as payment of approximately $1 million for care and rehabilitation of some of the dogs.

He has been suspended from play by the NFL since August 2007. In December 2007, he was sentenced to serve a 23 month federal prison term; 3 years of prison time in Virginia on other charges was suspended upon condition of good behavior. With loss of his substantial NFL and product endorsement income, Vick filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy protection in July 2008, with liabilities of $20.5 million and assets of $16 million. His bankruptcy case has yet to be resolved.

Vick was released from prison on May 20, 2009. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he will consider lifting his suspension, though Falcons owner Arthur Blank has said he does not want Vick to return to his team. Vick has reportedly exercised while in prison and anticipates a return to the NFL.

On June 12, 2009, Vick was released by the Falcons, after numerous attempts to trade him failed. On July 27, 2009, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell conditionally reinstated Vick.

**Please COMMENT and let me know how you feel about this…

The American Humane Association has been reporting on The Link between violence to people and violence to animals for years now. They have become one of the organizations on the forefront of both animal abuse and domestic abuse. This organization is deeply motivated and dedicated to helping victims of both, and is on a mission to educate people about how those who have a tendency to abuse animals will abuse humans, and vice versa.

AHA is a wonderful organization that I would encourage you to check out. From their website, donations will help to:

Advocate for legislation that protects animal victims of abuse, such as state bills that allow pets to be included in domestic-violence protective orders.

Advocacy gives animals a voice. For example, in Scottsbluff, Neb., an abused cat was removed by court order from the home of a woman whose boyfriend had assaulted her and previously beaten another kitten to death. What would have happened to the remaining cat without legal intervention?

Produce educational resources, such as the guides we’re currently creating for teachers and parents who suspect that a child is abusing animals.

Knowledge is power. Consider the recent case of a teenager in Florida who allegedly stalked, killed and mutilated more than a dozen helpless cats in his neighborhood. It might have never happened if an adult in the troubled teen’s life had recognized and addressed his penchant for violence.

Form community coalitions designed to spot and stop violence in all its forms.

There is safety in numbers. Statewide coalitions in Maine, Rhode Island, Delaware and New Mexico, as well as groups in cities such as Boston, Phoenix, Colorado Springs and San Antonio, have formed to spread awareness of The Link and increase the likelihood of identifying where and when violence may be occurring. More communities need to take action.
Train human services professionals on The Link and the importance of sharing information about abusers across organizations and systems.

Working together works. For example, In St. Louis, Mo., officials rescued 360 emaciated, parasite-infested dogs, cats, donkeys, guinea pigs and other animals from a private residence. During the search, the officials also discovered six children living in unfit conditions, and immediately contacted child protective services workers for assistance.

Serve as consultants in Link-related court cases.

The Link deserves its day in court. American Humane is currently consulting on a case involving a 6-month-old German shepherd puppy who was beaten to death by a man also known to be abusive toward family members. It’s important that judges and juries understand The Link when evaluating abusers’ behavior.
To donate, click here.

The word is out about Michael Vick. He’s out of prison and looking to improve his very damaged reputation.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) will be working with the disgraced NFL star to educate others about the dangers and cruelty of dogfighting. Vick was convicted of financing and operating a massive dogfighting ring and imprisoned for almost two years.

From the CEO of HSUS, Wayne Pacelle: “The Humane Society of the United States is going to provide an opportunity for him to get involved in some of our anti-dogfighting outreach programs. Animal advocates might be skeptical, as I was, about whether a man who committed such horrible acts to dogs could do anything positive to help animals. But I want to give him the chance to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. If he is serious — and we’ll soon find out — then Vick can help HSUS reach young men in urban communities and tell his story about dogfighting being a dead end.”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was, at one point, interested in working with the former NFL star, but those rumors ceased when PETA called for Vick to get a brain scan to check for psychosis and other mental disorders.

Many Clevelanders are extremely passionate about the issue of dogfighting, and wary of the HSUS’s decision. Ashly Smith, a local foster parent for Ohio Basset Rescue and former pit bull owner, had this to say: “Honestly I don’t feel that man deserves retribution in any way…at all. I hate him and he should die the way he killed all those poor dogs.”

Cleveland resident Joan Turnbull, a self-proclaimed animal lover and frequent donor to animal welfare programs, has mixed feelings about it. “I want to believe that Vick is doing this because he has come to realize what a horrific thing he did promoting and participating in dog fights.  Animals will greatly benefit if he is being sincere in his outreach attempts because of his stature – young kids will listen to him.  I am, however, a bit concerned that he has a hidden agenda – can a leopard (mean, low down, dirty scumbag like Vick) really change his spots?”

A local Cleveland pet blogger, who will remain anonymous, said this: “On one hand, he doesn’t deserve to be forgiven for the animals he relentlessly killed. On the other, he actually might be able to get through to troubled urban youth in inner cities who are active in dogfighting.”

Amy Weitzel, who owns two local rescue groups, says Vick just wants to play football again. “If, and this is a BIG if, Vick really understands what he did and the pain and the suffering he put animals through, then maybe him helping to educate people is a good thing. But I think he is only sorry because he got caught.  He saw nothing wrong in what he did and he just wants to get back to football.”

Twitter is also amok with further reactions. April Miller said she doesn’t know what the HSUS is thinking. “Yep, he’s sorry – sorry that he got caught that is…” Lisa Penosky said putting Vick in cahoots with the HSUS is, “about as appropriate as allowing a pedophile into a school!”

What are your thoughts on Vick working with HSUS? Do you think it’s a good idea? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.