It doesn’t take long to figure out that I am an animal lover. My loving but neurotic lab is a rescue and lying around the house there are five now contented cats who were all strays, each with their own stories of mistreatment.  I too was horrified by the Michael Vick episode, so it may be a surprise when I write that enough is enough.

He has served his 19 months in prison and is currently under house confinement until July 20th. We should then allow him to get on with his life, which in all probability will never be the same over paid, over indulgent, arrogant,  ‘I can do anything I want’  lifestyle that contributed to his decline.

Society imposes punishment so that when time has been served not only has the individual paid the penalty for their deed but (even though it sounds cliche) they have hopefully also learnt something.  Upon release an opportunity to reshape their future should be allowed.

While in prison, apparently Vick met with the president of The Humane Society of the United States and wants to work on a program aimed at eradicating dog fighting among urban teens. Whatever happens in the months to come whether you choose to call it redemption or recovery it will all have to take place on many levels of Michael Vick’s life. The public needs to be careful that it does not over play the role of the self-righteous and unforgiving. We also cannot keep re-trying him in the media.

He may or may not choose to become the face for abolishing pitbull fighting but if we don’t give him some time and space we will never know.