Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl

Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway gave Michael Vick a key to the city on Saturday, causing an uproar among animal rights activisits.

In 2007, Vick was convicted of a felony related to a dogfighting ring and served 21 months in prison.

“I gave it to him, sure I did. The wayward children that were there needed to have hope,” Caraway said, according to The Dallas Morning News, while not elaborating on the event he was attending or why children were there.

Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert distanced himself from the action later Monday.

“The action taken was not sanctioned by my office and was not an official ceremonial honor on behalf of the City of Dallas,” he said in a statement. “Official Keys to the City are presented by the Mayor, or an elected official designated by the Mayor, and reserved, on a limited basis, for an elected official of international status. Clearly, this was not the case in this situation and done without my knowledge or approval.”

Local radio reporter Richard Hunter attended the event and filmed it. In the video, Hunter says that he actually adopted one of the dogs from Vick’s home and he tries to confront the Philadelphia quarterback at Saturday’s event. Vick does not speak to him.

After serving his prison time, Vick was signed by the Eagles in 2009. This past season he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after making the Pro Bowl with the Eagles.

Caraway is a city council member and as mayor pro tem serves the role that a vice-mayor would if Dallas had that office.

-ESPN