Wonderful Day In The Animal Kingdom

Today is a wonderful day! Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prision! Personally I don't think it is long enough for the horrible things he did to dogs, but it is a start in the right direction toward punishing people for cruel acts against animals. It is horrible that it took a high profile person getting caught to bring this horrible activity to the for front of our society's attention. But now that it is a bigger issue, hopefully we will see the decline of dog fighting.

Also, the ASPCA has launched the first ever Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation Unit. This vehicle is outfitted with state of the art forensic tools as well as medical equipment, all of which is tailored to animal patients and victims. This vehicle will operate under the leadership of forensic veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck, who assisted in the Michael Vick investigation. The ASPCA also announced that in 2008 they will break ground on the nation's first Anti Cruelty Institute in New York. This facility will include a forensic laboratory and veterinary hospital, a treament center for animals who are victims of cruelty, as well as educational training for veterinary staff and law enforcement officals. The new institute is scheduled to open in 2010.

For the record, I am not a PETA member (unless it's the People for Eating Tasty Animals group). PETA is way to hard core for me. I do not find it right to attack people because they are wearing fur and I also do not see any problem with having animals for pets. However, I am a supporter of the US Humane Society and the US ASPCA. These groups actually do things to help animals. I have written many emails to my law makers regarding many issues because of these organizations.

Be sure to check out the video at the end of this post. It is the end of year video from The US Humane Society highlighting everything that has been accomplished since Oct 2006.