Vick denounces Dog Wars app

Dog Wars, a game created for the Android mobile platform, has met with objections from Michael Vick and the Humane Society.
Dog Wars, a game created for the Android mobile platform, has met with objections from Michael Vick and the Humane Society. (Peter Mucha)
By Peter Mucha, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted: April 26, 2011

Now Michael Vick is even speaking out against virtual dogfighting.

An Android app called Dog Wars has raised the hackles of the Eagles quarterback and the Humane Society of the United States.

"I've come to learn the hard way that dogfighting is a dead-end street," Vick said in a statement released Monday. "Now, I am on the right side of this issue, and I think it's important to send the smart message to kids, and not glorify this form of animal cruelty, even in an Android app."

Vick has been making other video-game news, as well. If online voters pick him over  Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hills, he'll be on the cover of Madden NFL 12, the next edition of the hugely popular pro football game. The winner will be announced at 4 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN.

The downside of that honor is facing the so-called Madden curse, which points out cover subjects have often suffered injuries or declining careers. After Vick was on the 2004 cover, he broke his leg and missed a dozen games.

Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb had an injury-riddled and shortened season about being on the cover two years later.

Because Dog Wars has players condition dogs to fight, "this game may be a virtual training ground for would-be dogfighters. Its timing and message are all wrong," said Wayne Pacelle, Humane Society president.

Kage Games defends its app, declaring, "If you have a bug up your b*tt about the game concept, remember:

"1. It is just A VIDEO GAME

"2. Perhaps one day we will make gerbil wars or beta fish wars for people who can't understand fantasy role play games.

"3. Just because something is illegal in real life in certain countries, does not mean it is illegal to make a song, movie, or video game about it . . .

"4. Just go slingshot some virtual birds to kill some virtual pigs.

"5. Go complain to someone who cares about Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, Weed Farmer, Smoke a Bowl . . . and maybe even Sierra's Leisure Suit Larry from 1987."

After serving 18 months in prison on federal charges related to running a dogfighting operation in Virginia, Vick has worked with the Humane Society to share his anti-dog-fighting message at many schools.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

 

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