Its a Dogs Life

Cruelty toward pets, all agree, is the kind of behavior law-abiding citizens should not tolerate. Understandably, then, recent revelations that N.F.L. quarterback Michael Vick oversaw a dog-fighting operation that tortured and killed dogs have prompted widespread public condemnation, as well as satisfaction that Vick could face up to five years in prison. But does one detect a certain excess of zeal in some of the reactions? “While we are pleased to hear that the Vick case is being settled through the criminal justice system,” said a representative of the This article appears in September 17 2007.