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Fla. attorney general sues maker of Vick chew toy

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The Associated Press

Published: April 9, 2009

Updated: 04/09/2009 05:54 pm

TALLAHASSEE - Florida's attorney general sued a company todaythat makes a Michael Vick dog toy, claiming proceeds from the sale were never donated to animal shelters as promised by the firm.

The lawsuit also claims the toy was not manufactured in the United States, as the Jacksonville-based Showbiz Promotions advertised, and consumers complained about delivery delays.

"Any company that intentionally misleads innocent consumers to believe they are contributing to worthy charitable causes is absolutely reprehensible," Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said in a statement. "It is disgusting that a company would exploit a tragic situation for personal gain."

The lawsuit also claims the company sold a doll named for slain toddler Caylee Anthony and promised to give proceeds to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The lawsuit says only $10 has been donated.

The doll, which originally cost $29.99, was taken off the market in March, according to the company's Web site.

The company's president, Jaime Salcedo, has said the doll was meant to be a "tribute." A phone number could not be found for the company or Salcedo. An e-mail was not immediately returned.

The president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children called the effort outrageous in a statement.

"NCMEC does not and will not ever be associated with any attempt to commercialize or raise money in connection with the victimization of any child," Ernie Allen said.

Anthony's remains were found in woods in Orlando in December, six months after the child's disappearance. Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony, is accused of killing the 2-year-old.

Vick is serving prison time for bankrolling a dogfighting operation in Georgia and Virginia.

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