Boston.com - Michael Vick, who served 18 months in federal prison on dogfighting charges, confirmed Thursday that his family has a dog. The Eagles’ four-time Pro Bowl quarterback refused to discuss the topic just a day earlier. ‘‘I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet,’’ Vick said in a statement. ‘‘As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals. I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God’s creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family … This is an opportunity to break the cycle,’’ Vick said. ‘‘To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.’’ … Vick was banned from owning a dog until completing his probation period.

This is one of those news reports where I had to search the Web for different sources to make sure I wasn’t about to blog a story off The Onion or something.  And I can be forgiven because I think we all understood Mike Vick would never have a dog again unless he was at a restaurant in South Korea.  Seriously, how in the holy hell is this allowed to happen?  Because it’s “important” to make sure Vick’s kids “develop a healthy relationship with animals”?  It’s important Jerry Sandusky’s grandkids make friends, but that doesn’t mean he should open a friggin preschool. Look, I like dogs, though I don’t pretend to be the world’s biggest animal lover.  And still, I’m all for scrambling Seal Team 6, landing choppers on Vick’s roof and busting that poor critter out of there while there’s still time.  Either that or I hope this dog is a plant; a compromised double agent sent in there by the dogs to infiltrate the  home, gain Vick’s trust then tear his throwing arm off while he sleeps.  Sending him to jail and banning him from owning dogs was the Law of the Land.  This situation calls for a little Law of the Jungle.  @JerryThornton1