The
American Kennel Club (AKC) was disturbed to learn that Nike,
Inc., a major competitive sports and fitness company, has
recently begun airing a national television ad promoting a
new basketball shoe, which depicts a dog fight-like scene
between a Rottweiler and a mixed breed.
The dogs are leashed but are clearly seen baring their teeth
and lunging at each other in a vicious manner. The AKC feels
this advertisement glorifies dog fighting, which is illegal
in all 50 states, and also unfairly characterizes the two
breeds that are portrayed. It is extremely irresponsible of
Nike to air this ad considering that dog fighting is still
an enormous problem in many communities.
Upon
learning about the ad, the AKC wrote to Nike's President/CEO/Chairman,
Philip T. Knight, and VP, Brand Communications, Richard E.
Anguilla, to request that the television ad be modified and
the scene of the dogs removed.
Questions,
concerns or comments about the promotional ads should be directed
to Nike Consumer Affairs at 800-344-6453 or consumers can
go to http://swoosh.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/swoosh.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php
to make a complaint.
