Michael Vick Pushes for Anti-Dog Fighting Legislation

Using examples from his past indiscretions as a way to stop such acts in the future, Michael Vick took to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC today (July 19) to back a bill which targets both dog fighting organizers and spectators.

Accompanied by the head of Humane Society, Wayne Pacelle, as well as two U.S. representatives, the NFL star athlete called on Congress to pass H.R. 2492, a piece of legislation that would prohibit knowing attendance of organized animal fights and add additional penalties to those who bring children to such events.

Michael, who currently plays quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, was released from prison in 2009 after serving time for a dog fighting conviction.

Discussing his latest push for the proposed bill, Vick told, "In prison I told myself I want to be part of the solution, not the problem. These laws are not to punish people, but prevent people from getting involved."

According to ABC News, today marks Michael Vick's first trip to Washington to support legislation, though it certainly isn't the first time the NFL star's name has made it to Capitol Hill.

Back in 2007, at the height of Vick's notoriety, then Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Byrd voiced his disgust and contempt for dogfighters, implying that they are the most vile of criminals.

Byrd "declared that he has seen one execution in his life -- a man put to death in the electric chair. 'It's not a beautiful thing," he said. "I could say I could witness another one if it involves (long pause) this cruel, sadistic, cannibalistic, business of training these vulnerable creatures to kill.'"

The reception this morning was said to be much warmer, however, as ABC News reported that Congressman Jim Moran, D-Va., complimented Vick as being in "tremendous shape."

"This is a story of redemption; it's a story of leadership," Moran said. "It's a story of deciding to do good and making a really substantive, consequential difference in the lives of a whole lot of people and certainly among animals that otherwise would be mistreated. Michael's leading the way to get these animals adopted and treated properly."

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