Petition spreads trying to get Dog Wars removed from the Android Market

Animal rights activists and just regular everyday dog lovers are passing around a petition on the internet, seeking the removal of the game Dog Wars which is currently available for free on the Android Market. The game allows you to raise a virtual pit bull by feeding them, training them and injecting them with steroids to make them aggressive. You then take your pooch-now the size of Barry Bonds-and fight him against dogs from other online trainers.

While game designer Kage Games says that it's, "Just a VIDEO GAME," animal rights activists have been joined by the head of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, Paul M. Webber to put down the app. Webber worries that gangs could see the game and become interested in dog fighting. Another notable figure has bad things to say about Dog Wars. NFL Quarterback Michael Vick, who spent time in prison for his role in setting up a dog fighting ring, has taken the time to put down the game. Vick said, "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 Humane Society of the United States called Dog Wars, "a step backward." In order to placate some of the people arguing for the removal of the game from the Market, the overview of the game says that some of the proceeds are being donated to animal rescue organizations.