Originally posted @ HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher forum in regard to Ingrid Newkirk appearing on the August 31, 2007 show.
Ingrid Newkirk of PETA on behalf of bullies?!? Are you kidding?
Posted: Sep 1, 2007 2:51 AM I am shocked that out of all people possible you picked Ingrid Newkirk of PETA to speak on the Vick/dogfighting topic - in the eyes of rescuers and those that are the boots on the ground trying to give a second chance to these most abused, abandoned, slandered and misunderstood dogs, Ingrid Newkirk and PETA are no real friends.
As far as I am aware, PETA SUPPORTS BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION (BSL) targeted at criminalizing the ownership of all dogs perceived as "pit bulls". The statement on their website does not address the fact that BSL will only drive the fighters and breeders underground and make it impossible for new adoptions to responsible and loving homes. BSL rarely (if ever) "grandfathers" in existing dogs. If as PETA states they support BSL just for the spay/neuter component, then why not work to put a law into effect for ALL breeds (with mandatory registration of breeders and those who do not alter their dogs for breeding)?
PETA has never been at the forefront of finding homes for discarded bullies or speaking up in their defense. Now that there's attention to be gained from the Michael Vick media frenzy it seems that they're trying to elbow past all the people that have been doing the real work... Where has Ms. Newkirk been for bullies before now?... Speaking against "the breed" is most likely where.
Using the PETA BSL logic, all the bullies rescued from New Orleans (and there were many, some of which made it on the news as poster dogs for the rescue efforts) should not be accepted into foster homes in other cities and would have to be euthanized regardless of temperament, age or anything.
Perhaps PETA should stick to their more lucrative mainstays of fundraising, like naked movie stars in fur stores, and not try to leech publicity and money from those that have put in years of work at no personal profit in order to really advocate for bullies and their rescue.
If I am somehow wrong, how about having a discussion about this on your show at some point and challenging the allegations? Here are some from Diane Jessup. Though her allegations are pretty strong, they don't seem to be too off the mark.
I must say that I have been pleasantly surprised by the ASPCA and the great efforts they have gone to explaining the realities of bullies and now are actually doing something to help the dogs seized from Michael Vick's farm instead of trying to capitalize on his "repentance". I was wondering if Ms. Newkirk head heard the same lame Larry King Lite contrition that I heard coming out of Vick's mouth.
I believe that you, Mr. Maher, are indeed able and willing to give bullies a fair chance, so why not have a true advocate for their cause on your show?
ASPCA Elaborates on Pit Bull Evaluations - Announces Bad Rap as Partner
BAD RAP SF
Diana Nyad - Vick Off the Mark
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