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Monday, October 12, 2009

Eagles to take the field for animal welfare

Thanks to Michael Vick, the Eagles have now officially joined the ranks of animal welfare advocates in Philadelphia.

The team later today is expected to announce details of their Treating Animals with Kindness (TAWK) program first reported in the Inquirer last month. Among the initiatives discussed to help local animal welfare groups combat dog fighting and pet overpopulation: a mobile spay/neuter van, public service announcements, trading cards of team members and their pets and public appearances by team members and cheerleaders.

Headlining the event - scheduled for 11 a.m. at the NovaCare complex -  is Eagles team owner Christina Lurie, president Jeff Banner and Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States.

While the Eagles top brass - after signing Michael Vick in August - pledged their commitment to help abused animals and curb dog fighting in Philadelphia, there is only one representative from a Philadelphia shelter involved: Dana Spain, president of Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). Also joining the group is Karel Minor, executive director of the Humane Society of Berks County, which, while it may deal with serious dog fighting issues in the city of Reading, is not considered part of the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Notably absent from the roster of partners is the Pennsylvania SPCA, which, as the city's animal control agency, takes in tens of thousands of unwanted and abused pit bulls every year and many are euthanized.

Also, not participating is another key player in the city's pit bull rescue network, Main Line Animal Rescue, which works with the PSPCA to help save adoptable pit bulls.

It's not clear what, if any role, Vick will play with the TAWK program. Vick has appeared at two Philadelphia area schools so far this season to deliver an anti-dog fighting message to students as part of an arrangement with the Humane Society of the United States.

Vick's arrival in Philadelphia in August touched off a wave of criticism from animal lovers and football fans, who felt the team betrayed them by signing someone convicted of running a brutal dog fighting ring and who admitted torturing and killing dogs who failed to win fights.

 

 

 
Posted by Amy Worden @ 1:43 AM  Permalink | 2 comments
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  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 9:04 AM, 10/12/2009
    It is nice to see the Eagles start to make good on their promises. If this plan is put through as it is described...hopefully there will be more animals spayed and neutered in the city of Philly and surrounding areas. I realize some organizations may not agree with the Eagles decision, and I agree Vick should never have been re-instated, but now that animals may benefit in the most basic ways (spay and neuter services that are so desperately needed in Philly and throughout the state) it can only be welcomed. Of course the proof will be in the carrying out of the plan. Hopefully all organizations will attempt to embrace this project if or when it prooves to be successful. Bryan Langlois, DVM "The comments expressed here are mine and mine alone and do not reflect those of the Humane League of Lancaster County or any other private or public organization."
    — Shelterviewer


2 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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