Animal Rescue League Moves Gala Out Of Heinz Field Due To Vick Signing
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- When the Steelers signed quarterback Michael Vick earlier this week, they stirred controversy across the city and divided the fan base.
The impact is still being talked about and felt around town.
The day Vick arrived in Pittsburgh, the Animal Rescue League put out this tweet:
Now, shelter officials say they have decided to move their 16th annual Paw Prints Gala from Heinz Field because of the signing.
In a press release they say: "Given Heinz Field's status as the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, however, we do not find it to be a proper setting for this year's Paw Prints."
Additionally, the Animal Rescue League says they will no longer include any Steelers-related merchandise or memorabilia in the event's auction or at any other fundraisers.
"The Animal Rescue League is extremely disheartened by the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to sign Michael Vick to a one year contract. While we understand that Mr. Vick has made an effort to atone for his past mistakes and has worked to help strengthen animal abuse laws, we do not believe that it is appropriate for him to continue a high-profile and influential public career," the press release went on to say.
Vick served time in jail for his involvement in a dog fighting ring several years ago.
"Michael Vick to the Steelers is a football player and he may help the team. We are an animal welfare organization and we have to do what's in the best interest of creating awareness to the community about animal welfare," said Ann Yeager, of the Animal Rescue League.
But Steelers President Art Rooney says Vick deserves another chance to show the world he's learned his lesson.
"I think one of the things that impressed me in terms of what he said, one of the proudest of since he got back in the league was his effort to work with the Humane Society on getting laws changed on making dog fighting a felony," said Rooney.
But the Animal Rescue League says that's not enough.
"Studies show that people who abuse animals, children, there are sometimes some psychological problems there, and nothing against Mr. Vick as an individual, as a person, but as an animal welfare organization we have to stand behind our animals 100 percent," said Yeager.
The gala, which the shelter says is one of their largest fundraisers, has been moved to CONSOL Energy Center. It will be held on Oct. 31.
Shelter officials also say they hope the Vick signing will help raise awareness about the cruelty of dog fighting.
"Our hope is that the very public discourse taking place across Steeler Nation this week raises awareness of the brutality and inhumanity of dog fighting. With increased community knowledge of the issue, we can all play a role in helping to end dog fighting once and for all."
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