A recently released video game for Google’s Android platform has drawn the ire of the Humane Society for its violent content that includes the ability to train, electrocute and fight virtual dogs. Kage Games‘ Dog Wars (not pictured) has even been frowned upon by former dogfighting enthusiast Michael Vick.
The ex-con, Philadelphia Eagles QB and past/future Madden cover star says the Dog Wars app “sends the wrong message,” according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The Humane Society of the United States issue a joint statement with Vick today, calling for the app to be pulled from the Android marketplace.
“Android should drop ‘Dog Wars’ from its online market and join the national movement to save dogs from this violent practice,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS. “Because ‘Dog Wars’ actually instructs players on how to condition a dog using methods that are standard in organized dogfighting, this game may be a virtual training ground for would-be dogfighters. Its timing and message are all wrong.”
Dog Wars’ creators say their app is “just a video game” and advises “Just go slingshot some virtual birds to kill some virtual pigs,” seemingly to those who might find a dogfighting sim offensive. But they also offer the following argument in defence of their free app.
We are confident this game will be a net benefit to dogs as it has been in our operating agreement from the start of this project that a portion of the proceeds go to animal rescue organizations. Further, this is a satire about the ridiculousness of dogfighting and we believe in the power of a modern media tool to educate and raise awareness of the real horrors.
Dog Fighting Videogame Draws Fire From Humane Society, Michael Vick [WSJ]
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