American Dog Owners Association Urges NFL To Suspend Michael Vick in Wake of Dogfighting Indictment

Castleton, NY (PRWEB) July 26, 2007 -- The American Dog Owners Association (ADOA), formed in 1970 to combat dogfighting, announced today that it is calling for the National Football League (NFL) to suspend Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick in response to his recent indictment by a federal grand jury for allegedly participating in an interstate dogfighting enterprise.

According to the indictment, Michael Vick and three co-defendants were involved in an ongoing animal fighting venture from early 2001 through April 2007. During that time, the defendants allegedly ran a dog fighting enterprise known as "Bad Newz Kennels" operated on the grounds of a Smithfield, Va. property owned by Michael Vick since 2001. Said property was used for housing and training American Pit Bull Terriers used in the dog fights that took place there and in other US locations. The indictment further alleges that each dog fight would continue until the death or surrender of the losing dog. At the end of the fight, the losing dog was often put to death by drowning, hanging, gunshot, electrocution, or slamming.

"The ADOA would like to see much stiffer penalties for the organizers and owners of the dogs used and bred for fighting," stated Maureen Hauch, a spokesperson for the organization. "In addition, those who attend these fights are only charged with a misdemeanor, when a felony would be a more fitting charge for such an inhumane crime," she added.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's order prohibiting Michael Vick from reporting to the team's training camp this Thursday is a move in the right direction, as the league undergoes a complete investigation of the indictment. However, the ADOA would like to see Vick suspended from the NFL and ordered to make positive public service announcements about the American Pit Bull Terrier, the preferred breed of those who take part in dogfighting competitions.

Although dogfighting is illegal in the United States, it is estimated that at least 40,000 people are involved in this blood sport on a professional level. With fight purses as high as $100,000, dogfighting is a multibillion dollar business that must not be ignored. The NFL runs the most popular sport in the United States, and therefore has a responsibility to making an example out of Michael Vick.

(United States v. Peace, Phillips, Taylor & Vick; Criminal No. 3:07CR274)

About The American Dog Owners Association

The American Dog Owners Association was originally established in Detroit, Michigan in 1970 to combat illegal dog fighting and promote responsible ownership. Today, the American Dog Owners Association, or the ADOA, has grown over the years to become the nation's oldest and largest member-based organization representing dog owners. The ADOA advocates for the protection of the public health and safety, the protection of dogs, and the right to own, keep and enjoy dogs. For more information visit http://www.adoa.org

Contact:

Maureen Hill-Hauch

The American Dog Owners Association

adoamail(at)yahoo.com

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