WASHINGTON—Following a succession of recent incidents of serious allegations of illegal animal fighting and animal cruelty involving NFL players, The Humane Society of the United States is calling on the National Football League to rid its professional ranks of players and personnel engaged in these illegal activities.
In a letter sent yesterday to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, The Humane Society of the United States President and CEO Wayne Pacelle have called upon the NFL to "collaborate with us in an organized effort to eradicate animal cruelty and illegal animal fighting activity from the ranks of the NFL."
Last week, a Virginia property owned by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was raided by law enforcement authorities, which included the Virginia Animal Fighting Taskforce. During the drug-related raid, police discovered more than 50 dogs in a state of apparent neglect and malnourishment. Many of the animals had wounds and scars believed to be from dog fighting. Police also found breaking sticks, treadmills and scales used in training fighting dogs and drugs typically used by dog fighters to treat wounded dogs. The investigation is ongoing.
Mr. Pacelle's letter to Commissioner Goodell continues, "We believe that the current situation involving Michael Vick is indicative of a larger subculture within the NFL of dog fighting and other forms of violence against animals."
To read the letter to Commissioner Goodell, click here.
Facts:
- Other sports figures have been arrested for dog fighting including NBA's Qyntel Woods, and the NFL's LeShon Johnson.
- Earlier this year, Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux was arrested and charged with felony animal abuse after allegedly killing his girlfriend's dog.
- Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis and NBA star Latrell Sprewell have had pit bulls who have attacked people.
- Boxer Roy Jones Jr. is a known cockfighter.
- Today President Bush signed into law a bill making the interstate transport of animals for fighting a felony crime. The law goes into effect immediately.
- There are reports of animal fighting crimes nearly every week in the United States. In March alone, raids in Ohio and California yielded dozens of arrests, the seizure of 64 dogs, 300 birds, $30,000 dollars in illegal gambling proceeds, guns and an explosive device.
- Dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states. Cockfighting is illegal in 49 states, with Governor Bill Richardson signing a bill to ban cockfighting in New Mexico last month. Only Louisiana allows legal cockfighting.
-30-
Editor's Note: b-roll of dog fighting is available on request.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.
