Indianapolis -- Former world heavyweight boxing champion and Indianapolis native Lamon Brewster may be "relentless" in the ring, but when it comes to cruelty to animals, he really comes out swinging. Brewster sounds off against dogfighting in a TV ad recorded for PETA.
"I usually let my fists do the talking for me, but I always speak up for the animals," says Brewster, who was motivated to record the PSA because of his loving relationship with his dog Slayton. "I choose to fight every time I step into the ring, but animals aren't given that choice."
PETA is launching the PSA--shot in 2005--after Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury this month for his alleged involvement with dogfighting, including the killing of dogs who "did not perform well" by hanging, slamming them to the ground, drowning, and electrocution. PETA is paying close to $100,000 to run the ad on television stations across the country. The ad will soon be airing in Indianapolis on WNDY (MyTV) and WISH (CBS).
Vick's indictment follows an April 25 raid on his property in Surry County, Va., during which authorities reportedly found nearly 70 dogs--including more than 50 pit bulls, the breed that is most commonly used for fighting--as well as paraphernalia commonly associated with dogfighting. Reportedly, the bodies of some 30 dogs were later found buried in the back yard. PETA is urging the NFL and the Falcons to suspend Vick. On Friday, Nike announced that it was suspending Vick's contract without pay after receiving pressure from PETA.
"Lamon Brewster will always be the reigning champ in our book," says PETA Vice President Bruce Friedrich. "Unlike those who take part in the cowardly underworld of dogfighting, Lamon openly stands up against cruelty. When it comes to having the strength to show compassion for animals, no contender stands a chance against Lamon."
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