MICHAEL VICK’S SENTENCE SENDS A STRONG MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO ABUSE ANIMALS SAYS THE NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION
ALEXANDRIA, VA – December 10, 2007 – James P. Fox, President of the National District Attorneys Association, (NDAA) said that he “strongly supports the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson on Michael Vick today. Mr. Vick’s acts of animal cruelty are abhorrent to people across America, and Judge Hudson’s sentence sends an important message to anyone engaged in dog fighting and other acts of animal abuse. These malicious and brutal acts will not be tolerated. It’s important that those engaged in all forms of animal cruelty understand that they will be reported, arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law.”
Mr. Vick’s celebrity has helped bring national attention to this barbaric practice. Dog fighting is taking place across America. It is a national disgrace and includes the participation of people within all socio-economic groups. Prosecutors are committed to ending this so-called “blood sport” and the other criminal activities associated with it.
However, it is also important for people to know that those who abuse animals are also far more likely to commit crimes such as domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse and other more violent crimes. For example, the vast majority of serial killers, many habitual violent offenders, and most children and teens who kill, abused animals prior to harming or killing humans. In the school shootings, such as Columbine, that have taken place, the common element prior to the killings of students and teachers, is that all of the teens involved had performed acts of animal cruelty such as shooting dogs, setting cats on fire and killing other animals. When people see a child or youth perform acts of cruelty on animals, they should take immediate action to stop this behavior, thus, preventing future crimes where human lives may be saved.
Additionally, it’s important to note that most serial killers -- Albert DeSalvo, the Boston Strangler, who killed 13 women; Ted Bundy, who raped and killed at least 30 women; Jeffrey Dahmer, who killed and cannibalized at least 17 people; and, Dennis Rader, the BTK killer in Wichita, KS who killed at least 10 people -- all tortured and killed animals before moving on to killing people. This is a very short list in a long list of serial killers who also abused animals in their youth.
Mr. Fox concluded, “The vast majority of Americans love their pets and treat them as family members. Domestic pets are the only friend some people may have. Pets protect and guard families. They provide independent living for many disabled people. Dogs tirelessly search disaster sights, work with firefighters and police to save lives and bring comfort to children, adults and the elderly in hospitals, hospices and homes for elders. When acts of animal cruelty are known or suspected, it is incumbent upon all of us to report our suspicions to the proper authorities, such as police, local animal control agencies, humane societies, animal shelters, and prosecutors. Reporting can be done anonymously. And, by early reporting suspicion of animal abuse by a youth, and providing appropriate punishment and treatment, the number of lives that could be saved is literally incalculable. Unfortunately, far too often animal abuse is not reported – with devastating results. Those who engage in dog fighting are committing a serious crime with serious consequences. Hopefully, the vigorous prosecution of a celebrity like Mr. Vick is clear evidence that we, as a society, will not tolerate animal abuse, even if some consider it a sport. The lengthy sentence imposed on Mr. Vick should serve as a deterrent for others who wish to engage in this reprehensible activity.”
The NDAA represents approximately 30,000 prosecutors nationally. State and local prosecutors are responsible for trying more than 95% of all criminal cases in America.
CONTACT: Velva M. Walter
Director, NDAA Media Relations
703-519-1689 – Email: velva.walter@ndaa.org
|
|
