In surveying the player's responses to Vick's situation, the journalists were bringing about public reaction to be evaluated to determine what direction to take their stories in. It demonstrated that,.".. survey respondents who experience difficulty answering questions respond differently to related subsequent questions than do those who do not experience such difficulty (JA, Effects of Survey)."
The story of animal abuse in dog fighting was one that caused polls to be taken to measure public opinion. That public opinion was in strong support of the animals that Vick had abused and used in an abusive manner. The journalistic tactic was one wherein the journalists used the opportunity for the public to speak out, to be heard, to participate in the outcome of Vick's legal proceedings as an incentive to be surveyed publicly. "In an effort to counter mounting problems of non-cooperation, survey organizations are increasingly offering incentives to respondents, sometimes before or during the first request for survey participation (JA Differential Incentives)." In other words, journalists needed the participation of both animal sport fighting supporters, and non-supporters alike. Therefore they created an incentive in getting those individuals to speak out publicly on the issue.
Public reaction to the Michael Vick story also helped advertisers, some of whom already had a lot of investment in the football player; to make decisions based upon public opinion and response to the situation. In this instance, advertisers conducting surveys discovered that the public reaction to product association with or to Vick was not a good idea. Public opinion and Vick's lack of public support was enough to cause Nike to almost immediately drop the player. "Nike was cited for its customized marketing,...
Animals confiscated from organized sport rings were automatically euthanized, because they had been bred and used in the most harmful way that a dog could be used. "Most of these shelters have this policy due to community bans, but others choose not to. Obviously these organizations feel that Pit Bulls are dangerous (JPC)," especially when they've been handled badly to put them in fighting condition.
Some animal lovers have attempted to deal with the problem of young people being indoctrinated into the sport of dog fighting by creating more social and legal ways to be entertained, and to compete. "Concerned by the increasing number of youths involved in dog fighting, former animal control officer Sue Sternberg decided to do something about it. In 2002, Sternberg started Lug-Nuts, a program that encourages inner-city teens to enter their dogs in weight-pulling competitions instead of fights (NG JA a Humane)."
Sternberg's efforts are interesting, and there should be research devoted to the outcomes she is experiencing in the program. "Within this context, this analysis is predominantly definitional, seeking to isolate the unique features of qualitative research (JA QRRC)."
As the Michael Vick legal processes unfold, we can expect to see and hear much more about the life and fate of the American Bull Terrier.
