Vick, Humane Society 'using each other'

"We have an agenda to eradicate dogfighting in America. He can be a valuable instrument in that. If he can demonstrate that he's a changed person, good for him."

Pacelle visited Vick in federal prison at the request of Vick's lawyer. He said he came away believing the former Falcons quarterback could make a huge impact on teenagers who might be attracted to dogfighting.

"I thought these young kids in the cities might look up to him," Pacelle added. "We're going to give him the opportunity, but it's up to him. If he makes the most of it, good for him. That will begin to make amends for the crimes he committed.

"But if he treats it lightly, if he is not sincere about it, then we'll be the first to criticize him."

Pacelle envisions Vick joining community-based programs in which ex-dogfighters and ex-gang members counsel teenagers that dogfighting "is a dead-end pathway" and that "there are no heroic dogfighters."

"There's just a bizarre phenomenon of young kids in cities getting pit bulls and engaging in street fighting, and we've got to arrest this trend," Pacelle said.

Vick spent 18 months in the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., for running a dogfighting operation. Last week he was released to his Hampton, Va., home, where he'll serve two months of home confinement.

He remains suspended by the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell has said Vick will be re-instated only if he shows genuine remorse and that he can be a positive influence.

Pacelle said his organization won't push for Vick's reinstatement or vouch for him.

"We're going to give him a platform," he said. "I mean, he's not going to represent us."

To listen to the entire interview with Pacelle, click here