PETA accused of unethical treatment

NEW YORK, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- A group representing corporate clients is using Michael Vick's dogfighting case to go after a high profile animal rights' group, it was reported.

In a full-page ad in The New York Times, the Center for Consumer Freedom Tuesday cited the Vick case in accusing People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals of hypocrisy and animal euthanasia, ABC News reported.

"PETA loves to point the finger at others when they should be looking at their own record of killing more than 90 percent of the animals left in their care," said the ad, which cost more than $181,000.

PETA officials called the ad grossly misleading and accused the CCF, a non-profit group, of representing corporate interests who oppose PETA. In other campaign ads, the CCF has defended food, alcohol and tobacco interests, ABC News reported.

"This ad is not surprising," said John Stauber, executive director of the Center for Media and Democracy. CCF has been "getting millions of dollars to go after PETA. It's an ongoing saga."

Vick, who has been suspended without pay from the Atlanta Falcons, pleaded guilty Monday in connection with a dogfighting ring at his Virginia farm.