In response to the federal Indictment of Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick and three other men alleging that they have sponsored dog fighting, the American Kennel Club(R) has issued the following statement:

The American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC supports state laws making any form of participation in organised dog fights a felony. The AKC unequivocally opposes the "sport" of dog fighting and the breeding and/or training of dogs for fighting. The AKC opposes the training of dogs for uncontrolled aggressive behavior toward other dogs and people.

"Dog fighting is barbaric. We hope that both federal and NFL authorities will take these charges very seriously," said AKC Chairman Ron Menaker. "The AKC supports legislation to criminalise dog fighting, including traveling across interstate lines to aid in unlawful activities relating to dog fighting, and any other form of animal cruelty. On behalf of our 5,000 affiliated clubs made up of dog lovers, we will be monitoring this case very closely as it proceeds through the judicial system."

The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organisation which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function.

Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organisations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well- being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog trials. Affiliate AKC organisations include the AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum of the Dog.

SOURCE American Kennel Club