I currently write for an animal charity based here in the North East of Scotland. This is an adapted version of my fourth column for the newsletter, and it was one I certainly struggled with. I strive to provide a fresh and topical article but as time progresses I am finding this increasingly difficult. My problem does not lay with a lack of material though, no in fact, quite the opposite is true. I am finding myself overwhelmed. Overwhelmed and quite frankly shocked by the sheer volume of animal cruelty cases I stumble across.

For instance, I could have commented on a recent airgun attack on a cat here in ,the Scottish town, Alloa. This poor animal was seen limping badly. Its discomfort caused by a pellet lodged in its back leg. This crime is actually rather commonplace. The Scottish SPCA reportedly dealt with about 130 air gun shootings in 2008 and are expecting similar figures for this year. I recall another incident, back in June, where a cat had been shot eleven times at close range in Midlothian. As often seems the case in these attacks, the culprits will probably go undetected.

The SSPCA request public assistance, with some form of animal cruelty, on almost a daily basis. Only this past fortnight, the charity released a statement concerning yet another abandoned dog. The animal concerned was found by Dumfries council workers in a bin bag,dumped in the undergrowth on a roundabout. Starving and left to die, the six year old greyhound was fortunately found in time and is expected too survive.

Only a few days prior, a severly ill and elderly dog was found wandering the streets in Aberdeenshire. Bald, blind and suffering from testicular cancer, vets had no option but to end its misery. Neglect and abuse of our animal companions is not limited to Scotland's shores though, it is a world wide problem.

In this past fortnight alone, I have watched videos of elephants being whipped and beaten in an American circus, read articles on China's horrendous treatment of stray dogs, and heard the rather unsurprising news that Steven Barker, the evil step dad in the Baby P case, had abused animals in his childhood. As with any given week there was a wealth of topical issues I could have covered.

Sick Vick

One of the saddest indictments of this cruel world we live in regards American sportsman Michael Vick. Vick was arrested in December 2007 and sentenced to twenty three months inside for his part in the illegal dog fighting ring, Bad Newz Kennels. Having been released five months early, on good behaviour, Michael Vick is now a free man. Not just free but actually employed again in the NFL on a multi-million dollar contract.

As a big sports fan myself I sort of understand why the Philadelphia Eagles have taken a chance on the man. A one year contract worth $1.6 million is mere peanuts when compared to the previous ten year $130 million contract Vick earned with the Atlanta Falcons. If he was to show a glimmer of the talent he once possessed, their decision will appear justified, at least in a business sense.

What sickens me is that, in order to further validate their stance, the Eagles PR machine would have you believe he is a changed man. Agents and managers have spoke about the new and improved Vick, how having been in jail has made him see the errors of his way. Even church ministers have been forthcoming with opinion, speaking about the need for redemption. The man himself speaks of his remorse, and other carefully selected PR stunts are meant to further illustrate his self improvement.

Lest we forget that Michael Vicks' cruelty to animals was not limited to one isolated instance. It was not one simple error of judgement, nor was his mind affected by illness,drugs or alcohol. Michael Vick was convicted for illegally fighting pit bulls, an activity he had engaged in for six long years.

Vick and friends spent a great deal of time, money and attention organising dog fights. Premises were actually bought for the sole intention of pit bull fighting. Sheds were built in the backyard, for the housing, training and recuperation of said animals.If further evidence of his cold, calculating nature were needed, Vick actually employed someone full time to reside in the house. His friends presence was not solely to attend to the dogs, it helped deflect attention from the buildings intended illegal purpose.

Given Vicks glistening football career and vast wealth before conviction, dog fighting was merely a sideline, a hobby if you will. The electrocution and/or hanging of the pit bulls, not deemed strong enough for competition, was simply a byproduct of his blood lust. Dogs that had passed this testing or 'rolling' process were not treated any better, loss in an organised fight, often meant death.Sometimes by electrocution, drowning or in one reported case shotgun. On at least two occasions Vick actually threw his own domesticated dogs in with these 'trained' fighting dogs to his and his friends supposed amusement.

But yet because Michael Vick can run faster than average and throw long distances we are meant to forgive. We are meant to celebrate this 'talent' and forget his previous misdemeanours. I for one cannot.