Michael Vick has declined an invitation to visit eight of his former dogs this weekend when the Eagles visit Oakland to play the Raiders, according to a Bay Area pit bull advocacy group.
The group BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls) extended an invite to Vick through the Eagles to offer the Birds’ QB a chance to see some of his former dogs that were allegedly part of the dog fighting operation at Bad Newz Kennels in southeastern Virginia. Vick served 23-months in federal custody for his role in a dogfighting ring.
The advocacy group tried to explain the parameters they offered to Vick. They picked a location that would have allowed the QB to view the dogs from behind a window at a distance that satisfied the conditions of his parole that bar him from being near animals, BAD RAP co-founder Tim Racer said.
It wasn't clear exactly how the group could ensure this visit would be within the court's parameters.
The Eagles informed BAD RAP Wednesday that Vick would decline the offer, Racer said.
“We understand Vick is trying to right his wrongs and is very interested in redemption, but you can't find redemption without acknowledging your victims,” said Racer. “Making amends to the dogs themselves would have helped to create some closure for many of us, especially those people who worked so hard to keep them from being destroyed. It seems that Vick is not ready to go there.”
The Eagles responded to NBC Philadelphia's request for comment by mentioning the work Vick does already to educate the public about dogfighting.
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“Michael has apologized, and continues to apologize in schools, churches and community centers locally and nationally, in high-risk neighborhoods where dogfighting is prevalent. He has spent every off day doing this work and is committed to continue this path, on his own, and with the Humane Society of the United States,” said Pamela Browner Crawley, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations.
Oakland-based BAD RAP absorbed 10 of Vick's dogs into its foster program after being given permission from the federal government to evaluate and rescue as many of the dogs as possible.
Vick will already be entering a hostile environment Sunday when the Eagles take on the Raiders in the “Black Hole” -- the first road game for the Birds since Vick was reinstated.
The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said it had no plans to protest the game, said a spokesman.
