PETA protests Vick at Falcons headquarters
'He's hurting the team,' one area activist says of indicted QB


The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/23/07

Animal rights activists protested in front of Falcons headquarters in Flowery Branch Monday concerning the felony indictment of quarterback Michael Vick on charges related to dogfighting.

Protesters were located in front of the main gate to the facility, several carrying signs. The group called for the suspension of quarterback Michael Vick following his indictment on dogfighting charges.

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About four dozen people took part in the protest organized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. They held signs reading "Sack Vick!", "Kick Vick," and "Tackle Cruelty." Many brought their dogs.

"He has made a bad name for himself and he's hurting the team," said Fran Takacs of Norcross. "I used to be an NFL fan, now I'm not." Protesters said Vick should not get special treatment because he is a star athlete.

"Just because he's famous, he shouldn't get off the hook," said Emory Lewman, 12, of Sandy Springs, who came with three of her friends. "What he did was terrible."

The protesters plan to demonstrate a few hours each day ahead of training camp, which begins Thursday.

"The Falcons can get rid of us right away if they suspend Michael Vick. And we hope they choose to do that," said Dan Shannon, assistant director of campaigns for PETA.

About 50 people protested Friday in New York, urging the NFL commissioner to suspend Vick.

Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said the team will have no comment about the protests.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this article.




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