Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and three other people were indicted this week on charges surrounding alleged dogfighting activities, according to a CNN.com article. Vick faces maximum penalties of six years in jail and a $350,000 fine, if convicted.

The indictment states that the defendants reportedly bought, transported, bred and trained dogs for gambling fights and also killed dogs by electrocution, hanging, drowning and shooting. The indictment follows an investigation that included a raid on a Virginia property April 25. Vick and the others that were indicted have not yet been arrested. So far, Vick has retained his Nike endorsement and his active status on the NFL team, although groups such as the Humane Society of the United States and PETA have been exerting pressure on companies to cut their ties based on the scandal.

Yes, Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but from a public relations standpoint, the NFL and Vick's corporate sponsors would be wise to take this opportunity to make a stand against illegal activities, including animal cruelty. Not that we should expect much from Nike, which has been criticized for producing shoes made from crocodile skin (not to mention leather) and for using sweat-shop labor. Then again, the NFL's "pigskin" remains an animal-unfriendly icon as well.

It is interesting how much outrage surrounds these dogfighting allegations, while other forms of animal cruelty go unnoticed and even supported. I heard one letter from a TV viewer read on-air that suggested smearing Vick in liver pate and pushing him into the ring with fighting dogs. The American public is making some strides in its views about the treatment of animals, but it still has a long, long way to go.