Surry, Va. ? The discovery of dog-fighting evidence two months ago at a Surry County property owned by NFL quarterback Michael Vick has mobilized dog lovers locally and nationwide.

They’re demanding stricter rules for NFL athletes and stiff jail sentences for those involved in the Surry County case.

The investigation has attracted attention from national organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States to the grassroots efforts of a Los Angeles basset-hound lover.

The Humane Society’s latest letter was sent Monday to Nike Inc., urging the company to drop Vick as a spokesman. Vick is a Newport News, Va., native and Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

“We recognize that Mr. Vick has not been charged with a crime. But we know that Nike has high standards for its spokespersons,” the letter read. “We trust Nike does not want to be associated with any celebrity who is linked to this odious form of animal cruelty.”

A dog-fighting investigation began in April at Vick’s Surry County property, where investigators found 66 dogs, mostly pit bulls, and equipment commonly used in training dogs to fight.

The investigation is ongoing, and no one has been charged so far.

The Virginia Voters for Animal Welfare, a group that hopes to stem pet overpopulation through responsible government, ownership and breeding, has collected nearly 400 signatures on letters sent to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, state lawmakers, the state veterinarian, Surry County officials, NFL officials and others.