'Unlikely advocate' Michael Vick meets with lawmakers on ‘pets in cars’ bill

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick (2) smiles while stretching and talking with new teammates as head coach Mike Tomlin walks by during practice for the NFL football team, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2015 in Pittsburgh. The Steelers signed Vick to a 1-year deal to replace backup Bruce Gradkowski, out with a hand injury. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick (2) smiles while stretching and talking with new teammates as head coach Mike Tomlin walks by during practice, Aug. 26. The Steelers signed Vick to a 1-year deal to replace backup Bruce Gradkowski, out with a hand injury. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic/File)

Steelers quarterback Michael Vick is making good on a promise that he would advocate for animal safety locally.
Vick is scheduled to meet with Pennsylvania lawmakers Tuesday in support of PA House Bill 1516, or the pets in cars bill, which would give cops authority to rescue dogs and cats from cars due to unsafe temperatures. The bill would shield first responders from liability for any property damage they cause when rescuing animals from unattended cars and trucks. The bill also would make it a summary offense to leave a cat or dog in an unattended vehicle in extreme heat.
“I know that I’m an unlikely advocate,” Vick said through a representative. “I was part of the problem. Now, my perspective can help reach people that activists can’t reach. I can help others become agents of change.”
Elevator doors close after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick arrives at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, in Harrisburg, Pa. Vick is lobbing Pennsylvania statehouse legislators on a bill that would help protect pets left in hot cars. Vick was a star quarterback for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 to being part of a dogfighting ring and ended up serving 21 months in prison. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Elevator doors close after Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Michael Vick arrives at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, in Harrisburg, Pa.  (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Schoolchildren from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, will accompany Vick to the state legislature to lobby the Democratic caucus, according to the spokesperson. Representatives Jake Wheatley Jr. and Ed Gainey will host the visit.
Vick was a star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons when he pleaded guilty in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and served nearly two years in prison. The Hampton, Virginia, native is now a backup quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and, off the field, an advocate for animal welfare.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
 

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