Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons has teamed with the Humane Society of the United States and the BeKIND Foundation to create a public service announcement (PSA) speaking out against dog fighting.
Simmons, who has worked with agencies like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the past. In the new PSA’s, the Hip-Hop mogul is featured in the :15 – :30 second PSA’s with Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle and BeKIND founder Frances Hayward.
Simmons’ PSA’s will speak out against dog fighting, a topic thrust into the national spotlight, in July when suspended Atlanta Falcon’s Quarterback Michael Vick was indicted for running a dog fighting ring.
Simmons, along with the Rev. Al Sharpton and PETA president Ingrid E. Newkirk sent letters to Vick’s corporate sponsors condemning dog fighting.
“The recent media spotlight on dog-fighting reminds us of society’s callous disregard for the suffering of animals and disrespect for sentient beings,” the trio wrote. “We hope that Mr. Vick is not a product of this insensitivity that runs through our society. . . . It does us little good to prosecute just those who are famous and allow people across the country to continue to commit these hideous crimes.”
Vick pleaded guilty to involvement in an illegal dog fighting ring and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 10.
Simmons’ PSA’s will be released via the Internet and traditional outlets.