Vet P.O.V. Vick: A vet's take (written for NPR and posted just for you)

OK so I’m recycling. I spent so long yesterday writing and recording this piece for NPR I didn’t have enough time to write something fun for you today. But you know I’d never let you guys go without. So consider it an exclusive sneak peak at something that will almost surely never enjoy air-time.

Vick: A vet’s take:

When I was fifteen, an overzealous boyfriend showed up on my doorstep with a pit bull puppy—an offer this future vet couldn’t refuse. This was the late eighties when the breed was regarded more as an edgy version of a Labrador retriever than the emblem of urban rebellion it is now.

So it is that as a veterinarian and unapologetic pit bull-lover who writes daily on animal health issues, I’ve been following the Michael Vick story very closely. Sure, I’ve had my say…and my fun, too. It’s hard to resist the temptation to demonize someone so out of touch with American culture that he would kill dogs for fun—and think it’s no big deal.

More recently, though, I’ve had cause to examine the more sober aspects of this case—as if a yard full of dead dogs wasn’t sobering enough. What happened to this talented, hard working guy that he would manage to throw his life away on a betting bloodsport?

My take? Sure he knew it was illegal. He just didn’t bet on the outrage. How could he? Neither did I. As a veterinarian, perhaps I’m jaded to the injustices committed against animals every day. Whether it’s a pit bull flayed by his opponent’s fangs or the commonplace lack of owner compliance that passes for love, I’m used to cruel treatment of animals.

But I’ll confess, I was pleasantly surprised by the outcry over Vick’s offenses. I blogged about it, trash-talked about it with my clients and commented on it indiscriminately online. So did everyone else, it seems. The story had legs that grew stronger with each outraged remark and violent Youtube video. That’s when Vick’s punishment became a hot topic of graphic debate—and when Atlanta area shelters allegedly began to receive Vick jersey donations for wiping down their kennels.

It’s true, the uproar has been fierce and unrelenting. So much so that critics have condemned the volume as too high for the crime. They decry his public censure for animal abuse as inexplicably more caustic than for a cocaine charge. Then they argue there are worse criminals still playing ball—murderers, rapists, multiple drug offenders, child abusers. Why so harsh on Vick?

Because the bulk of the fury in this case isn’t about Michael Vick. It’s about the shocking brutality of the crime—one whose sordid details most US animal lovers were unaware of before Vick’s debacle. While we may have become desensitized to drugs and violence, high-profile animal cruelty is a barbarous novelty. As a result, the pent-up rage on behalf of abused animals everywhere has been granted a rare forum here. And it’s clearly proved its muscle in the pit of public opinion.

To be sure, Vick’s story is a tragic train wreck—you can’t look away or fail to deride the engineer for driving drunk. But it’s more than just another cautionary tale for overprivileged celebrity—it’s an extraordinary demonstration of the maturing cultural drive in defense of animals. To the uninitiated, pit bulls may not seem likely poster children for animal welfare issues, but some of us still remember them fondly as beloved family members more worthy of protection than one criminal’s football career.

August 30th, 2007

Add Comment17 Comments

While I can think of lots to say about Michael Vick, all I'm going to say is that he should be quartered and leave it as that.

Stacy August 30th, 2007 08:58:00 AM

I feel deep sadness for all the pit bulls so horrifyingly abused in this "sport." Regardless of any "inborn" viciousness, or more likely, lack thereof, it takes calculated cruelty to turn any animal into such a fighting machine. Anyone who doesn't think the pit bulls are deserving of concern should remember all the other innocent, helpless animals--smaller dogs, cats, puppies and kittens--who are slaughtered in the process of "training" the fighting dogs. As a caretaker of three wonderful cats and two sweet, beautiful kittens, I am sickened and heartbroken to think of those other animals, as well. It's almost more than I can stand to even think someone would treat my treasured creatures in that way.

Perhaps the silver lining in all this will be to cast more light on this very dark and ugly corner of the world, which may help those trying to eliminate this bizarre activity.

Judy D August 30th, 2007 09:02:00 AM

Kudos Dr. K! I, too, fondly remember my Lula. She was a red beauty with incredible golden eyes and a penchant for sloppy kisses. Thank you for always "saying what needs to be said."

On an unrelated note, are you related to Cuban documentary filmaker, Christina Khuly? She's featured in the lifestyle section of our local paper today.

Best wishes to you and your patients, mb

mb August 30th, 2007 09:03:00 AM

mb: That's my sister! I'm so proud! What lifestyle section of which paper? I'm always letting her know which ones so she can plan accordingly (she's self-distributing her film so she needs all the marketing help she can get). Thanks!

Dr. Patty Khuly August 30th, 2007 09:36:00 AM

I'm trying to keep a level head about this. Different cultures have different customs and ideas of what is reasonable behavior. However, just as cockfighting and, probably dogfighting, are condoned in some areas of the world, it doesn't mean that we have to allow it here. The subject makes me feel sick.

Diana August 30th, 2007 10:01:00 AM

Well said Dr. Patty.

Pent-up outrage, indeed.

Amy in Cambridge August 30th, 2007 10:20:00 AM

The post about the dogs and kittens brutilized and sacrificed to train fighting dogs brings up the subject of yet another disgusting aspect of this sport -- the use of bait. A friend in Missouri showed me a photo of a timid Golden that was used as a bait dog. Even IF someone looks at a pitbull and doesn't feel sympathy to their plight, how can *anyone* stomach the use of bait animals?

(Pretty soon Dr. K., we'll be able to say "we knew her when...")

Deanna August 30th, 2007 10:22:00 AM

Thank you Dr Patty...
And lest we forget the connection between animal abuse and the abuse of people..that every serial killer has tortured small domestic animals..
Will it just be a matter of time before reading that Vick has hit a family member?
We need to keep speaking out; bringing these horrid images to the fore..so that they may be seen ,heard and dealt with.. the days of "hear no evil; see no evil MUST be over..

annonymous.. August 30th, 2007 11:03:00 AM

Dr. K, your sis is featured on page 4, section E of today's Corpus Christi Caller Times. The article is titled, "Film Probes Cuban Refugee Rescue Effort" and is written by AP reporter, Sigal Rather-Arias.

mb

mb August 30th, 2007 11:08:00 AM

Thanks, mb!

Dr. Patty Khuly August 30th, 2007 11:20:00 AM

Brava - you cut straight to the heart of the issue, and your post echoes my sentiments exactly. I sincerely hope NPR gives you the air time this piece deserves!

Erin August 30th, 2007 04:08:00 PM

A few of my friends flew down to New Orleans after Katrina to help with the homeless animals. (we are all animal health technicians) Pitbulls and Beagles were over-represented in the shelters. Apparently beagles are the primary bait dog there for training fighting dogs.

Meghan August 30th, 2007 11:17:00 PM

I've seen many outraged remarks and comments about this case, but all seem to be true. Plain and simple he is an animal killer.
And I have to somewhat disagree with you. I dont think this crime has been one bit blown out of control, if we put together how many animal lives he has taken, made suffer and brutalized. Its completley understandable.
This case (for me) has blown up in the eyes of every American as heartbreaking and sad. I think the public needed this fatality.
Tons and thousands of americans have come to realize that aniaml cruelty such as dog fights, needs to come to an end and a problem even in their own backyard.
It doesnt rule out all of the other charges you spoke about. I think that the sports industry is extremly shady about their criminals and so many surprisenly not guilty verdicts. Its very corrupt.

But from an animal lover, it is nice to see more "Stop animal abuse" shirts and bumper stickers, its just sad that such a horrible crime had to be committed to let the people see what a horrible monster animal cruelty could be. I think thing might actually change after this.

Shell August 31st, 2007 07:29:00 AM

I'm a veterinarian and football lover, though my enthusiasm for the sport (no, not the sport of veterinary medicine) has dwindled significantly in light of the Vick story.

I've been searching in vain for words to describe my outrage over the actions of the Atlanta QB (not to mention the reactions of some former--Deion Sanders, another former Falcon comes to mind--and current NFLers).

You wrote it better than I could possibly have even thought it.

A heartfelt thank you.

Larry Yelen, DVM
London, Ontario
That's in Canada, if M. Vick is reading this)