PETA urges Patriots to go meatless

LYNN, Mass., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals wants the New England Patriots to sell meatless hot dogs and food products.

Dan Shannon of PETA pointed out what he called "a severe lapse in judgment" in a letter to Patriots owner Robert Kraft, the Boston Globe said Saturday.

The Patriots have teamed up with Klement Sausage Co., a Wisconsin meat supplier, on a line of branded meats slated to hit supermarkets in September.

But, says Shannon's letter, "If Pats fans knew how animals suffer in factory farms and slaughterhouses, they'd choke harder than (Colts QB) Peyton Manning."

Shannon, a self-described Patriots fan, proposes the "Tight End Veggie Dog" or the "Snow Game Faux Sausage."

Patriots spokesperson Stacey James said if enough people want to buy a Patriots veggie dog, "It would definitely be there."

"If there's a demand for veggie burgers we'll have the best veggie burger you can get in the country."