Michael Vick Central Recovery Press Release
In the eyes of the law, Michael Vick has served his sentence; now it’s up to him to decide if he will use his second chance as an opportunity to make amends for his past deeds. There are many ways he can use his position to make a difference if he chooses to, such as to bring more awareness to animal cruelty, to advocate against dog fighting, to support animal rights organizations, and to set a positive example for young people. What Michael Vick did can never be undone, but what he can do is devote himself to preventing the suffering of many animals in the future.
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MICHAEL VICK: SORRY DOESN’T MATTER FUTURE DEEDS WILL TELL THE TALE
Las Vegas, NV, August 19, 2009—Did Michael Vick abuse dogs because of unresolved traumatic childhood experiences? Was it an urban environment that allowed him to torture creatures that trusted him? Was it simply the need to exert control over helpless animals because Vick felt so powerless over his life? Will we ever find out what it was that caused him to act in such a ruthless and inhumane manner? “It really doesn’t matter,” says animal lover Nancy A. Schenck, who is in long-term recovery and the author of Tails of Recovery: Addicts and the Pets That Love Them (Central Recovery Press / July 2009). www.centralrecoverypress.com “Making amends in recovery is not simply saying, ‘I’m sorry.’ In order to live a clean and recovery-oriented life, one must make restitution and be accountable for the harm he or she caused.” What should you do if you suspect animal neglect or abuse? Schenck offers the following tips:
• Recognize the signs—Be aware of symptoms such as: wounds, missing fur,
limping, rapid weight loss or extremely thin appearance, obvious untreated medical conditions, an animal chained outside or left outside for long periods of time and/or in bad weather, and an animal that reacts with extreme fear or aggression when approached. • Take action—If you witness an animal being mistreated or not properly cared for, take steps to put a stop to it. You may be the only voice for a suffering animal unable to speak for itself. If you are concerned about the reaction of the pet’s caretaker, you may anonymously report the neglect or abuse to the local humane society, shelter, or animal control agency. While laws and procedures vary by state, the focus of these agencies is protecting animals, and they will conduct an investigation with the goal of preventing further harm to the pet. In extreme cases, the animal may be removed from the situation for its safety and the case would be subject to further evaluation. If abuse or neglect has become that severe, then that is probably the best outcome for all involved. • Seek help—Contact your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control for assistance. These phone numbers are often listed under the city or county health department or the police department. Helpful information can also be found on The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) website, www.hsus.org or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website, www.aspca.org.
Las Vegas, NV, August 19, 2009—Did Michael Vick abuse dogs because of unresolved traumatic childhood experiences? Was it an urban environment that allowed him to torture creatures that trusted him? Was it simply the need to exert control over helpless animals because Vick felt so powerless over his life? Will we ever find out what it was that caused him to act in such a ruthless and inhumane manner? “It really doesn’t matter,” says animal lover Nancy A. Schenck, who is in long-term recovery and the author of Tails of Recovery: Addicts and the Pets That Love Them (Central Recovery Press / July 2009). www.centralrecoverypress.com “Making amends in recovery is not simply saying, ‘I’m sorry.’ In order to live a clean and recovery-oriented life, one must make restitution and be accountable for the harm he or she caused.” What should you do if you suspect animal neglect or abuse? Schenck offers the following tips:
• Recognize the signs—Be aware of symptoms such as: wounds, missing fur,
limping, rapid weight loss or extremely thin appearance, obvious untreated medical conditions, an animal chained outside or left outside for long periods of time and/or in bad weather, and an animal that reacts with extreme fear or aggression when approached. • Take action—If you witness an animal being mistreated or not properly cared for, take steps to put a stop to it. You may be the only voice for a suffering animal unable to speak for itself. If you are concerned about the reaction of the pet’s caretaker, you may anonymously report the neglect or abuse to the local humane society, shelter, or animal control agency. While laws and procedures vary by state, the focus of these agencies is protecting animals, and they will conduct an investigation with the goal of preventing further harm to the pet. In extreme cases, the animal may be removed from the situation for its safety and the case would be subject to further evaluation. If abuse or neglect has become that severe, then that is probably the best outcome for all involved. • Seek help—Contact your local humane society, animal shelter, or animal control for assistance. These phone numbers are often listed under the city or county health department or the police department. Helpful information can also be found on The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) website, www.hsus.org or The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website, www.aspca.org.
