IDA's Message To Michael Vick - We Won't Forget The Dogs
Scroll down for a sample letter you can send to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Help us convince the NFL to specifically prohibit player involvement with animal fighting.
 In Defense of Animals calls on Bay Area residents to be a peaceful and powerful presence at Michael Vick’s upcoming Oakland appearance. Activists will be holding signs and distributing flyers to fans. IDA’s message: we have not forgotten what Vick did, we oppose his weak punishment, and we are disgusted by his lack of remorse and multi-million dollar contract with the Eagles.
What: Peaceful Protest of Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles
When: Sunday, October 18, 2009, noon - 2:00 pm
Where: Oakland Coliseum, 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621
For more information, contact: Hope Bohanec, hope@idausa.org, (415) 448-0048 ex. 208
If you're not near Oakland, you can still help!
Send a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Ask him to add dogfighting and cockfighting to the prohibited activities listed in the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. Read our letter below, then send your own letter or fax to:
Mr. Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Ave.,15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-450-2000
Fax: 212-681-7599
IDA's letter to use for talking points:
Mr. Roger Goodell
National Football League
280 Park Ave.,15th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Dear Mr. Goodell:
On behalf of In Defense of Animals (IDA), an international animal protection organization with over 80,000 members, I am writing concerning the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.
In light of Michael Vick’s criminal conviction and serving time in prison, IDA is asking the NFL to include the illegal activities dog fighting and cockfighting in the “criminal offense” section of its Personal Conduct Policy. Not only does the NFL set guidelines for its own players, but it sets the model for players at all levels. Coming from the NFL, this message will be passed down through the college and high school football systems and prevent these illegal, dangerous and cruel activities from gaining popularity among young impressionable athletes.
The NFL has already acknowledged that its responsibility extends beyond producing great athletes, to producing positive role models. The NFL’s 2008 Personal Conduct Policy prohibits not only illegal but also “irresponsible” conduct, and declares that the standard for conduct of NFL players is “considerably higher” than just avoiding criminal activity. Players must conduct themselves in a way that “promotes the values upon which the League is based.” We commend the NFL’s acceptance of this responsibility.
As I am sure you are aware, dog fighting is a crime in all 50 states and cockfighting is illegal in 48 states. Animal cruelty in itself is not only condemned, but it is recognized as the most consistent predictor of violence against humans. By specifically including dog fighting and cockfighting in your list of “criminal offenses” you are steering young men clear of activities that will bring them, their families and society greater pain. The NFL must make players and developing players know that torturing animals should not be a source of entertainment, nor does it make one appear competitive and “tough” and that it will actually prohibit them from becoming successful and respected athletes.
We’d welcome the opportunity to work with the NFL to incorporate dog fighting and cock fighting into your 2008 Personal Conduct Policy.
Respectfully,
Elliot M. Katz, DVM
President, IDA
For even more talking points, see this great article by columnist Martin Snapp.
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