Michael Vick, Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback, Lobbies for Law to Protect Dogs in Cars

On Tuesday, Michael Vick visited the Pennsylvania state capitol. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback made the trek from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg to lobby for a bill to help prevent dogs and cats from being left in cars, The Associated Press reports.

The proposed bill would protect first responders from any property damage they caused while attempting to rescue a dog or cat inside an unattended car in conditions that endanger the pets well being. It would also make leaving one's pet inside a vehicle during such conditions a summary offense. Basically, don't leave your pet inside a car in any conditions you wouldn't want to be left in. Otherwise, you'll be punished.

"The bottom line is that all animals thrive (on) kindness and respect. They depend on us like our children depend on us," Vick said, via the Associated Press.

To some, Vick may be something of an unlikely advocate for pets -- dogs specifically. Back in 2007, the star quarterback was arrested for his contribution in running a dogfighting operation. He was sentenced to 23 months in prison.

"I know that I'm an unlikely advocate," said Vick, according to Penn Live. "I was part of the problem when I was at my lowest. I made a decision to make change and I stand by that."

Since being released from prison in 2009, Vick has worked hard to rebuild his image, and do right by the wrongs he has done. He works closely with the Humane Society, and has also worked to get the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act passed in Congress, that according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In his first year back in the league after serving his prison sentence, Vick was named the NFL's comeback player of the year.

Vick, 35, now plies his trade in Pittsburg with the Steelers. And while he spent most of his career as a starter, he now serves as a backup. Which is a role he's adjusting to.

"It's hard because I've been a starter for so long," Vick said, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Last year took a lot of adjusting and, I admit, I didn't do it as well as I wanted to because, in my mind, the position I was in was supposed to be different. I think you have to accept it first and I've been able to do that, come to grips with it. I can just focus on that, and, I think in this offense, I can do some great things."