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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Eagles meet again with animal welfare groups

Members of the Philadelphia Eagles front office met for the second time with animal welfare groups.

At a meeting last night, the group discussed a number of ways the Eagles could help promote animal welfare and curb dog fighting, among them setting up a spay/neuter clinic, building a sanctuary for ex-fighting dogs and distributing grants to shelters and rescues. 

"People gave us ideas and ways that we could be impactful and I think the biggest thing that came out of it, the biggest message we heard loud and clear was around spaying/neuter issues and how the Philadelphia Eagles could be very helpful," said spokesperson Pamela Browner-Crawley told 6ABC Action news.

Tom Hickey, founder of DogPac, said he thought the meeting was productive, even if no concrete plans emerged.

'I think the Eagles are sincere," he said.

The Eagles pledged to find ways to curb dog fighting and support other animal welfare efforts after signing convicted dog killer Michael Vick last month. Vick, who spent 18 months in prison for his lead role in an inter-state dog fighting ring, has teamed up with the Humane Society of the United States to deliver an anti-dog fighting message to inner city communities. Since his release from house arrest in July, Vick has made appearances with youth groups in Chicago and Atlanta.

Among the groups invited to last night's meeting were the Pennsylvania SPCA, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), SPCAs from Bucks, Delaware, Chester and Montgomery counties, the Humane Society of Berks County, the Humane Society of the United States and Camden County Animal Shelter.

The idea of the Eagles organization - which has taken heat from animal lovers across the country for signing Vick - doling out grants to shelters angers Main Line Animal Rescue's Bill Smith.

"They're buying them off," said Smith.

He said Main Line Animal Rescue of Chester Springs was not invited to participate in the meeting despite its active role in saving Philadelphia's pit bulls from euthanasia.
Posted by Amy Worden @ 8:16 AM  Permalink | 6 comments
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:16 PM, 09/02/2009
    I agree that the Eagles are not doing this for the right reasons but Smith is just angry b/c he wasn't invited. He doesn't care about getting $ for Main Line b/c they already have wealthy donors. Many of the other organizations do not and are trying to make do where ever they can.
    — scargosun
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:07 PM, 09/03/2009
    In his "anti-dog fighting message to inner city communities" will Vick also mention that it's also wrong to beat, drown, electrocute and commit other forms of animal torture and abuse, or is that not part of his "mistake"?
    — rw55
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:27 PM, 09/03/2009
    I don't believe anything coming out the Eagles organization anymore.
    — RussOCNJ
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:35 PM, 09/03/2009
    Seriously, Does the term "cut your nose off to spite your face" ring true to anyone involved with this. You have a famous athlete willing to become an advocate, who employs atletes, many of whom come from the culture and regions of this country where this activity is popular, willing to copntribute to the cause. Regardless of the motivating factors, bottom line is they are motivated to help. USe them, and get on with it. Make something positive out of a negative. Money is a major obstacle to animal rights and adoption agencies, take their help and make a difference.
    — gee1971
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:58 PM, 09/03/2009
    Great point, gee. These animal rights groups have what could be a great opportunity here but they turn their backs on it because of their own stubborn vendettas, which I think is a shame. But Michael Vick and the Eagles can reach out to the community without them, and I hope they do.
    — Allthedrama
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:59 PM, 09/03/2009
    So if they, or Vick, give money, they are "buying off" the shelters. If they don't give money, I imagine they'll be accused of "doing nothing". Gee1971 is right- money is very much needed by these agencies, and probably worth a lot more to them than lip service and mea culpas.
    — chemlady


6 comments
About Amy Worden
Amy Worden is a politics and government reporter for the Inquirer. In that capacity she has explored a range of animal issues from dog kennel law improvements and horse slaughter to the comeback of peregrine falcons and pigeon hunts. From hamsters to horses, animals have always been part of her life. To pass along a tip or contact Amy, click here.
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