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Michael Vick, Humane Society Denounce Dogfighting App

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A game application for smart phones is under fire by animal rights groups.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick and the Humane Society are denouncing a controversial cell phone app that they say glorifies dogfighting.

The android app is called "Dog Wars"—and lets players, feed, water, train, and fight their virtual dogs against one another.

Vick issued a statement that read:

"I've come to learn the hard way that dogfighting is a dead end street. Now, I am on the right side of this issue, and I think it's important to send the smart message to kids, and not glorify this form of animal cruelty, even in an Android app."

The app is by Kage Games, whose website features an illustration of a pit bull with a bloody muzzle next to the 'Dog Wars' logo. A website where the app can be downloaded stresses that it is only a video game.

Authorities are concerned though that it could be used as virtual training ground for would-be dogfighters.

Michael Vick was once the NFL's highest-paid player, but that changed following his arrest and conviction on dogfighting charges. After serving 18 months in federal prison, Vick returned to the league in 2009 to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is now a star quarterback and is outspoken against the crime of dogfighting.


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