First, all of Vick's defenders start out with 'I am no defender of Vick's actions' and that is exactly what you are doing.
Second, animals are not inanimate and should not be treated cruelly.
Thirdly, what he did is against the law and he knew it.
Fourthy, no one is comparing (but PETA), what he did to the dogs and doing the same thing to people.
But his 'property' rights do not extend to treating his animals in anyway he wants to.
All rights contain responsiblities as well.
I find Vick’s actions with respect to hanging and electrocuting his animals morally indefensible. And I find your outrage to be righteous. However, when I see the full force of a vitriolic media come to bear on issues other than Vick’s public personage and stray into the realm of the rights of livestock owners whose property (like pet owners) have always been regarded as chattel, then I speak out. The effect will be do gooder federal legislation, more restrictions and mind control. These are matters best left up to the local sheriff and town board.
This my friend is ultimately what is at stake