Shame on Philadelphia Eagles: Many pit bulls used in dog fights do not get a second chance

By Mary MacElveen
August 14, 2009

Animals like children are the most innocent amongst us and I for the life of me cannot understand how the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to sign on Michael Vick who bank rolled dog-fights.

According to CNN: Eagles starting quarterback Donovan McNabb stated: “I pretty much lobbied to get him here… Because everybody deserves a second chance." Well, McNabb, dogs who are forced to take part in these fights, most do not get a second chance as they are killed within the bloody-pit. When they are trained from puppyhood to fight in these pits, any chance of living a loving life is obliterated. And, if they are rescued, some do need to be humanely euthanized. The reason is that they are badly wounded or where they cannot be rehabbed and placed up for adoption. Where is the second chance for these dogs? It is gone as the needle goes into their veins and potassium chloride drips into their body, thereby stopping their hearts. An animal heart who only wanted affection and to give it back to a trusting owner.

While pit bulls are the dog of choice for these dog-fights, their breed has been tarnished over the years due to these fights. Most think they are aggressive from birth and that is simply not the case. Pit bulls are a loving breed and a wonderful addition to any family setting and are great with children.

According to the Pit Bull Rescue Center: “When you adopt a pit bull, you adopt the most energetic, intelligent, and loyal friend you’ll ever have, but you also take up a responsibility to represent the entire breed.” They go onto say: “Adopting a pit bull, loving it, and training it as a breed ambassador are the most important things any of us civilians can do to combat people like Vick.”

Because of these fights and people’s misinformation of the breed, many communities across the United States have banned the ownership of these dogs. Perhaps if these communities opened up their eyes and learned of the breed, hearts and minds would be changed.

While there have been incidents of mauling, blame the owners and not the breed in its entirety.

There are several pit bulls within my community and upon approaching them, all they want is love. Their mouths are used for licking instead of biting and fighting. It is a tribute to their breed and their owners.

As a fan of “Animal Planet”, especially any of their shows such as “Animal Precinct” where animals are rescued from such horrid conditions, often you will see pit bulls rescued. To see their open wounds, one can feel their pain. To look into their eyes, one can see their feeling of being betrayed. Michael Vick betrayed man’s best friend and does not deserve a second chance.

Yes, I realize that this is a money-making business where he may add to the coffers of the Eagles, but I am sure there is a high school or college football player whose star is on the rise who deserves to be signed. Oh, and where fans can be proud of cheering for him as he runs out onto the field. If I were a season-ticket-holder, I would ask for my money back. Any company that bankrolls their operations or advertizes with them should be boycotted for also betraying man’s best friend.

While Philadelphia is known as the city of brotherly love, its football team, the Eagles have failed to live up to it. The Eagles in signing Vick turned its back on the suffering of animals, namely pit bulls.

Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net

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