Michael Vick needs to pay

One of the hottest topics entering the 2007 NFL season hasn't been the upcoming season itself, it has been about Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and his involvement with dog fighting at one of his homes.

When the story first broke, Michael Vick began the process by denying any knowledge of what was going on at the house, which is in Surry, Virginia, citing that he had cousins living there and that he did not go there very often himself.

It's funny how stories change. After entering a not guilty plea, others that were indicted in the case decided to plead guilty. After this turn of events, Vick has suddenly changed his plea to guilty. Perhaps he, or at least his attorney, could see the writing on the wall, and they knew that if everyone else turned state's evidence, Vick would end up being the fall guy for everyone involved. So, out of fear, if nothing else, Vick changed his plea to guilty.

Michael Vick has lied to all of us. He has let down his teammates, his coaching staff, his NFL organization, and the fans, many of whom are teenagers and children that wear his Falcons number 7 jersey.

Several videos have been circulating following the investigation, videos that were too barbaric and gruesome to show on network television.

There were some horrendous things going on in that house and the property that surrounds it. What investigators found as evidence, including various tools and devices that are meant for torturing purposes, are utterly disgusting.

When police first inspected the property back in April, 54 pit-bulls were found. Later investigations of the grounds turned up seven graves of dogs that were killed by "Bad Newz Kennels", the company that Vick's relatives were running. These dogs were killed by strangulation, electrocution, bullet wounds, or other means when they were found either not to be good fighting prospects, or punishment for dogs who lost their fights. It was also discovered that dog fighters from as far away as South Carolina, Texas, and New York would come for the events.

"Bad Newz Kennels" also put on exhibitions and sponsored fights in other parts of Virginia, North and South Carolina, and other states.

We have a major problem in this country when it comes to this matter: the laws as well as the punishments for these heinous acts are minimal, at best. On Tuesday it was released that Vick has worked out an "agreement" with prosecutors in the matter. It has been said that prosecutors want Vick to serve 12 to 18 months.

As a human being with a basic conscience, an animal lover, as well as a vegetarian, I am personally insulted at the lack of penalty that Vick may or not have to serve.

I can not believe that where the laws state that these types of crimes may warrant fines of $350,000 and up to six years in prison, that they can be reduced to such a minimal level.

Why should they cut a deal with Vick? If they have evidence to put him away, then it would appear to me that they are in the driver's seat, and I say, fire away, and let him serve SIGNIFICANT jail time.

I am not saying that the value of an animal's life is on the same level as a human's, but at the same time, torturing any living creature, whether it is human or not, is cruelty, and it is no less cruel or sick to torture an animal as it is to torture a human being.

This is not a crime that was a one-time act. That could be looked at as a mistake, something that could possibly be forgiven or made up for with a minimal penalty. This is a series of vulgar mistreatments of animals that went on for a period of at least five years, and severe penalties are in order, and should be exercised.

There is an awful lot yet to be sorted out, such as Vick's punishment, the "deal" which will be formally made next Monday, his contract, his future with the league, and so on.

But I believe that our lawmakers will discover, through this case, that they have their own work cut out for themselves, when it comes to the laws that are currently on the books for animal cruelty, torture, and abuse. The penalties for these crimes are ridiculous, and need to be sharply stiffened.

It seems that the men and women who make the laws and punishments in this country leave things very lenient until a case comes about when the whole country becomes outraged at a national story.

I believe that this is the national story that will and should outrage Americans when it is announced next week that Vick's punsihment will be barely more than a slap on the wrists.

It breaks my heart, because Michael Vick used to be one of my favorite quarterbacks in the National Football League. Yes, I said used to be.