An Indian Viewpoint on the Michael Vick Issue
Michael Vick was the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He was also the highest paid quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Two years ago he was arrested and convicted for running an interstate dog fighting ring and also for torturing and killing some of the dogs. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison for his crime. After his release from prison he was signed to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. The local radio stations were bombarded with callers who where wondering why the Eagles signed Vick of all players. Most people in India would be shocked to hear someone sent to prison for such a long term for killing dogs (we are more comfortable electing these criminals as members of our parliament). But this is America and Americans take their pets seriously.
Having animals and birds as pets (versus having them for agriculture, travel, or work) is a growing phenomenon in India. This is a sign of a new and affluent middle class. On the other hand having a pet in America is fairly common. There are supermarkets everywhere that sell pets and also cater to all their needs. In many cities there are pet day care centers and grooming centers. There are people who are employed to walk dogs or other pets when the owners are away working. So Americans reacted with shock when they learnt that such a high profile player is involved of all things dog fighting and in the execution of dogs.
Owning guns and hunting are legal in America (both are illegal in India with a few exceptions). In many parts of America the beginning of the hunting season is a great occasion for the parents to bond with their children. In some parts of Pennsylvania the first day of the hunting season is a school holiday. Fathers take their kids with them to hunt together on that day. So where is the outrage coming from? Is it because dog fighting is illegal or is it because it is unacceptable to torture and kill innocent, defenseless animals? If torture and killing innocent animals is not acceptable then America has to take a second look at hunting (as a sport). Anyone who has gone hunting knows that it can be a traumatic experience for the hunter and the hunted. While the bonding experience is real it is not easy to watch an animal suffer and die in front of you after you just wounded it using a bow and arrow. Although there might be some merit for hunting as a means to control overpopulation of some species of animals there is no reason to hunt for sport or for food. A supermarket is always around the corner. Buying meat in America is different than in India. Meat is cleaned up with no signs of blood. It is available in interesting shapes (rarely with bones), nicely wrapped up and looks very pleasing to the eye. It rarely tastes like meat too. You will not feel guilty and maybe that is by design. As a kid I growing up in India I remember chasing the hen for half and hour before catching it. Of course killing the poor bird and preparing it for cooking is an experience I will never forget. You will get a totally different respect for food if you do that.
Besides everything the question I have for all pet owners is that isn’t having a pet in itself a cruel and unusual punishment for the pet. Did your pet consent to his/her imprisonment? Why would animals and birds that are used to living and roaming around vast pieces of land be ok with living with you in your house spending most of the time sitting on your couch and watching TV?
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Category: Sports & Entertainment