As a dog lover, my hackles have been raised ever since I first started hearing about the Michael Vick dog fighting case. Since his plea-bargain sentencing of 12-18 months, and the imminent threat of his being suspended from the NFL, I have heard a number of people trying to excuse his actions in passing conversation. I try to keep my nose out of it, but when I hear "It's just a sport like any other," and "What's the big deal?" I simply cannot let go of the bone.

The participation of dogs in fighting dates as far back as 2100 B.C. when King Hammurabi used to equip his warriors with huge mastiff-like dogs. These dogs would hurl themselves at the enemy in an effort to arouse fear and terrify them into retreat. For many centuries later in history, dogs were used to help humans hunt dangerous game such as wild boars and bears. These dogs would corner and keep the game at bay while the hunters killed the dangerous animal with a hunting knife.

Dog-on-animal and dog-on-dog fighting in pits gained popularity as entertainment in the English Royal Court in the late 16th century. However, by 1835 Parliament passed a law that prohibited any type of fighting between four-legged adversaries, siding with public opinion that dog fighting was cruel and savage.

As an activity that has its roots as a form of "entertainment," I would have to say that such forms of amusement are unfit for a civilized society. Not that I approve of either one, but dog fighting cannot be compared to a "sport" such as deer hunting for the simple fact that a brutal dog fight can go on for as long as five hours. Compared with the single, skilled shot of the hunter, the dog dies a slow and torturous death in the pit.

Dog fighting is also a sad reflection of the pernicious violence that pervades our culture today. What kind of message are we sending to our youth and to the rest of the world when we betray those creatures whose care we have been entrusted with? The fact that Mr. Vick was personally involved with dog fighting activity is bad enough. However, those who stand in his defense seem to be missing the most socially dangerous part of his actions: The fact that he destroyed dogs by electrocution, beating, hanging and drowning.

There is a dog pile of evidence that supports the link between animal cruelty and social violence. Studies have determined that 75 percent of prison inmates convicted of violent offenses have also engaged in cruel behavior towards animals. Animal abuse and domestic violence go paw-in-paw, and children who are cruel to animals have a greater chance of committing violent acts against people as adults.

In short, violent treatment towards animals is a pathway to violence against people. To learn more about the link between violence and animal abuse, visit www.latham.org.

Wags, Tracie

TRACIE LALIBERTE-BAILEY of Attleboro is a promoter of a peaceful world. She is pursuing a doctoral degree on the human-canine bond. You can contact her with any dog-related questions at tracie@dogpawse.com.