Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Faces Felony Dog Fighting Charges
Urge the NFL to suspend Michael Vick from play under strong suspicion of criminal activity

You may have heard the news that Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick faces felony charges and possible prison time for animal abuse stemming from alleged dog fighting activities. He is accused of running an interstate dog fighting ring, and of killing numerous dogs himself—by shooting, hanging, drowning, and electrocution—simply because they were not good fighters.

While Vick continues to maintain his innocence, the evidence against him is substantial and still mounting. Authorities found more than 50 pit bulls, along with a full supply of standard dog fighting equipment (including a "rape stand" used for forced breeding, treadmills, drugs to increase aggression, and a bloodstained fighting pit) at Vick's Virginia home.

The charges against Vick are very serious, and if they are true, he must be severely punished. Lawmakers increased the penalty for dog fighting in May 2007 with passage of the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act, which doubles the potential prison sentence for those who engage in the interstate transport of animals used for fighting. Vick could face several years in prison and several hundred thousand dollars in fines if he is found guilty of conspiring to conduct dog fighting activities across state lines.

Vicks, the highest-paid player in NFL history, is a role model for many sports fans, including impressionable young people, and abusing dogs for "sport" sets a terrible example. In light of the indictment, IDA has written a letter to prosecutor Gerald Poindexter asking that he seek the maximum sentence allowable under the law in the case against Vick. In addition, we have written a letter asking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to immediately suspend Vick from the league under strong suspicion of criminal activity, and to allow him to play again only if he is pronounced innocent by the courts. You can help hold Vick accountable by contacting these individuals, as well.

What You Can Do

1) Call (212) 450-2000 to urge the NFL to immediately suspend Vick from the league under strong suspicion of criminal activity, and to allow him to play again only if he is pronounced innocent by the courts.

Follow up with a letter to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Write to:

Gerald G. Poindexter
Commonwealth's Attorney
P. O. Box 358
Surrey, VA 23883

2) Attend a protest. Demonstrations are being organized in Richmond, Va., where Michael Vick is being arraigned, and at Nike in San Francisco and Los Angeles.