CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — A local animal rescue is asking fans to boycott the Pittsburgh Steelers until recently signed quarterback Michael Vick is off the team.

Vick, an NFL quarterback known for his strong arm and quick feet, has played in parts of 12 NFL seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Jets.

He was recently signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a backup option to long-time starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Clarion PUPS is asking on its Facebook page for football fans not to support the Steelers while Vick is on the roster.

“Write the Steelers and tell them how you feel — then write them off until Vick is gone!,” Clarion PUPS said on the Facebook page.

Clarion PUPS has also called on fans to distribute the image below.

A photo being distributed by Clarion PUPS.

The move is in response to Vick’s controversial history with dog fighting.

Vick was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2007 on charges related to dog fighting on his properties, and later pleaded guilty to a federal charge in connection with dog fighting on his property in Virginia.

He was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison and a three-year probation period during which he was forbidden any contact with dogs other than to support humane organizations.

At that time, the NFL suspended him indefinitely without pay for violating its player conduct policy. He was reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in July 2009.

Requests for comments about this issue from Clarion PUPS, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the NFL were not immediately returned.