PHILADELPHIA – Michael Vick is a dog owner again.

Vick, who served 18 months in federal prison on dogfighting charges, confirmed Thursday that his family has a dog. The Philadelphia Eagles’ four-time Pro Bowl quarterback refused to discuss the topic just a day earlier.

“I understand the strong emotions by some people about our family’s decision to care for a pet,” Vick said in a statement. “As a father, it is important to make sure my children develop a healthy relationship with animals. I want to ensure that my children establish a loving bond and treat all of God’s creatures with kindness and respect. Our pet is well cared for and loved as a member of our family.”

Since his release from prison in 2009, Vick has worked with The Humane Society of the United States to speak out against animal cruelty. He’s made appearances at schools and spoken to students about the dangers of being involved in dogfighting. Vick says that commitment will continue.

“This is an opportunity to break the cycle,” Vick said. “To that end, I will continue to honor my commitment to animal welfare and be an instrument of positive change.”

The Humane Society declined to comment.

Vick was banned from owning a dog until completing his probation period. When he first stated his desire to own one, it touched off a firestorm. Some animal rights activists were outraged, along with fans who thought the star player should never be allowed to have a dog.

“I’m not a psychopath. I’m not crazy. I’m a human being,” Vick once told The Associated Press about wanting to own a dog.

Russian court hears Madonna suit

MOSCOW – A Russian court on Thursday began hearings on a $10.7 million lawsuit against the U.S. pop star Madonna, whom claimants allege broke a Russian law prohibiting “gay propaganda.”

The court in St. Petersburg was reviewing the case to determine whether a trial would go forward. The Interfax news agency described the claimants as local citizens upset with the singer.

Madonna during an August performance in St. Petersburg called for greater tolerance toward homosexuals. The claimants are alleging she violated city ordinances passed in March prohibiting active support of homosexuality in a public place, if minors are present.

The court had sent a letter regarding the allegations to Madonna’s address in New York, but no legal representative of the star has thus far responded, a court official said.

The next hearing will be on Oct. 25.

No evidence of ‘Octomom’ child neglect

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Prosecutors won’t file charges against “Octomom” Nadya Suleman after a caregiver last month reported allegations of child neglect at her home, an official at the district attorney’s office said Friday.

There’s not enough evidence to move forward with the case submitted by the La Habra police department, said Susan Kang Schroeder, chief of staff at the Orange County district attorney’s office.

Earlier Friday, police in La Habra said they had investigated the allegations of child neglect at Suleman’s home and turned their findings over to prosecutors and social services. Police declined to provide details.

Suleman has been in the media spotlight since giving birth to octuplets in 2009 after she already had six children. Her manager said she lived in La Habra until two weeks ago, when she moved to the Los Angeles County city of Palmdale.

Suleman’s manager, Gina Rodriguez, said the allegations are not true and come from a woman who became obsessed with the children. Suleman moved from La Habra in part to avoid the woman, Rodriguez said.

– From news service reports