Michael Vick Says Google's 'Dog Wars' Game Glorifies Animal Abuse

Michael Vick Says Google's "Dog Wars" Game Glorifies Animal Abuse

By Erin Sherbert Tue., Apr. 26 2011 at 8:48 AM

The fight against dogfighting

If Michael Vick says something is skirting on the edge of animal cruelty -- you have to give it a pause. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback who was jailed for his involvement in a dogfighting ring, has come out against a new Google Android app that lets users train their virtual dogs to fight.

Vick has joined the Humane Society in publicly opposing the new "Dog Wars," saying it could be used as a training ground for wannabe dog-fighters.

The game allows users to feed, water, and train their pups for dogfights. And while Kage Games, which created the app, insists it's not promoting the murderous sport, the logo itself has people questioning its intention. The Web sites features an illustration of a pit bull with a bloody muzzle next to the 'Dog Wars' logo.

Vick, who served 18 months in prison after being arrested in 2007 for his involvement in an illegal dog-fighting ring, issued the following statement yesterday.

"I've come to learn the hard way that dogfighting is a dead-end street," Vick says. "Now, I am on the right side of this issue, and I think it's important to send the smart message to kids, and not glorify this form of animal cruelty -- even in an Android app."

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Human Society, is taking it a step farther, asking Android to pull the game from its online market. "Dog Wars actually instructs players on how to condition a dog using methods that are standard in organizing dogfighting," Pacelle said. "Its timing and message are all wrong."

Yet the game developers have told media outlets that the app would actually benefit dogs. A portion of the proceeds from the game would go to animal rescue groups, according to Kage.

"This is a satire about the ridiculousness of dogfighting and we believe in the power of a modern media tool to educate and raise awareness of the real horrors," the developers told reporters.

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Tags:

animal abuse, Dog Wars, dogfighting, Humane Society, Michael Vick, murderous dogs

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Hat

This looks great; it's a shame Vick can't have a cameo in it. Perhaps as a rival owner?

Rwc406

is there a petition to get rid of the game?

Brandon J. Van Every

Yes, the ASPCA has one. Personally, I'm strongly opposed to it. I distinguish between fantasy and reality. The game developers themselves do not condone real dog fighting. It may be too much to ask the ASPCA to think about, but I'd like to see them find a way to advance their political agenda by trying to work with the developer, not against them. That's not always possible, but I bet they haven't tried.

Brandon J. Van Every

Yes, far from any comment by Michael Vick "giving me pause," it immediately indicates to me that he's making his statements for self-serving reasons. I also don't expect much intelligence out of him regarding First Amendment issues. As a game developer myself, I am strongly against the persecution of imaginary content just because someone finds it offensive. Whether it's someone complaining that police are getting shot and "shouldn't be," or terrorists are committing atrocities and "shouldn't be," quite a lot of people in the USA have trouble distinguishing reality from imagination.

Christine Brown

Vick should be in prison. The fact that he is involved with animal welfare is a joke, I'm guessing part of his release conditions.

Christine Chillemi Scarola

Vick is only saying this for show this is exactly what he did & would still be doing it if he didnt get caught he is a liar & i think it ridiculous to include his name against this game!