Ron Menaker, chairman of the American Kennel Club, issued the following statement Thursday following the indictment of Falcons quarterback Michael Vick:

"Dog fighting is barbaric. We hope that both federal and NFL authorities will take these charges very seriously.

"The AKC supports legislation to criminalize 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."