Michael Vick, the NFL quarterback who served prison time for operating a dogfighting ring for years, had announced last year that he owned a dog. And now it looks like he's enrolled in dog training classes with the puppy.
CrossingBroad posted photographs
of the Philadelphia Eagles player with his young Belgian Malinois at a NJ PetSmart: "The tipster says that Vick frequents the store and signed up for a total of six training classes on Monday evenings, with this being the second week."
The American Belgian Malinois Club and Rescue spoke to TMZ, saying it was "very concerned that Vick is allowed to own ANY dog, but the Belgian Malinois is especially problematic. The breed is highly trainable and they could easily become dangerous if they land in the wrong hands... Belgian Malinois—which are frequently used by the military and police—have the same fighting potential as pit bulls."
TMZ adds that the ABMC (which doesn't think Vick's household should have any dog, period) "believe[s] a more docile pooch—like a lab—would be way more appropriate... But what's done is done ... and the ABMC wants to help Vick properly train the dog. The rep says the organization is willing to help Vick find a good trainer for the dog and educate him on Belgian Malinois so he can 'learn and love the breed.' "
In 2007, the feds had charged Vick and associates with running a brutal dog fighting ring in Virginia, on Vick's property. At the time of the indictment, "Officers reportedly found equipment associated with dogfighting, blood stains on the walls of a room and a bloodstained carpet stashed on the property. They reportedly removed more than 60 dogs from the property.... The indictment said that in April 2007, [they] 'executed approximately eight dogs that did not perform well in 'testing' sessions by various methods, including hanging, drowning and/or slamming at least one dog's body to the ground.'" Vick pleaded guilty and served 19 months in prison.
Last October, Vick said:
I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family's decision to care for a pet. As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals.
I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God's creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family.
This is an opportunity to break the cycle. To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.
