Light a Candle Today

"Sugar"
Painting by Rebecca Collins

The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is asking that you light a candle today, May 9th at 7:00pm MST in honor of the lost lives of innocent Pit Bulls that have been killed due to the reinstatement of the Denver Pit Bull Ban.

From their email...

"Since reinstatement of the ban, Denver has killed at least 1,100 dogs believed to be pit bulls or dogs possessing the majority of physical traits of those breeds. Some estimates place the death toll much higher, at least 2000 or more.

The pit bull ban was first passed in 1989 but a state law was passed in 2004 that made breed bans like Denver’s illegal. Denver suspended enforcement of its pit bull ordinance at that time. Denver officials went to court to challenge the new state law. Enforcement of the pit bull ban resumed on May 9, 2005 when a court ruled Denver could enforce its pit bull ban."

Many dogs have been forcefully taken from their families and euthanized because they "look" like Pit Bulls. The media has portrayed Pit Bulls as vicious animals for years when in fact, it is just not true. The problem lies with irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter their dogs, who tether or chain them, train them to fight and abuse or neglect them.

I chose the beautiful portrait above by Rebecca Collins of Art Paw to represent all Pit Bulls today. Her name is Sugar. Sugar is no longer with us...but her spirit reminds us of the beauty, majesty and innocence of the breed.

Please write your local representatives and protest all Breed Specific Bans. This is happening in many communities...not just Denver. Please speak up for and protect dogs like Sugar who can't speak for themselves.