A Pittsburgh animal shelter has canceled an October fundraiser at Heinz Field in response to Michael Vick’s signing by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh animal shelter cancels Heinz Field fundraiser after Michael Vick signing
“[W]e do not believe that it is appropriate for [Vick] to continue a high-profile and influential public career.”
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"While we understand that Mr. Vick has made an effort to atone for his past mistakes and has worked to help strengthen animal abuse laws, we do not believe that it is appropriate for him to continue a high-profile and influential public career," read a statement posted Thursday to the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center's Facebook page.
The organization’s annual fundraiser will instead be hosted at the CONSOL Energy Center. The shelter will also cease to include Steelers merchandise in future auctions.
Vick -- who served 21 months in prison following his 2007 conviction on charges related to a dog fighting ring he ran from his Virginia home -- has been a public opponent of animal cruelty in the years since his release, partnering with organizations like the Humane Society to raise awareness.
“[Vick] is a football player in their eyes,” the shelter’s director of marketing told the Pittsburgh Tribune‑Review. “In our eyes, he is an animal abuser.”
(via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
