Followers of this column have read about Jeff Theman’s excellent anti-breed-specific legislation (BSL) documentary “Guilty Til Proven Innocent,” which shines a spotlight on the filmmaker’shome city of Cleveland, Ohio.
When the Cleveland City Council revised its dangerous dog ordinance, it became apparent that this littlefilmis making history even as it chronicles it.
Jeff’sbest friend,Preston (pictured at right), a formerfighting Pit Bull adopted fromthe Cleveland rescue group For the Love of Pits,is the undisputed star of the documentary. And with good reason.Watch footage ofPreston (and read about him here) to see why the camera loves this sweet, handsomeblack dog.
The bond betweenthe filmmaker and his four-footed musecould melt a heart of stone. “You’re all I got,” Jeff whispersin Preston’s ear.
Today, in honor of our national holiday remembering Martin Luther King Jr., it’s important to remember that BSL is something Dr. King definitely would not approve of. It is —in the words of the Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates’ Jean Keating, one of the subjects interviewed for the doc —nothing more than canine racism. Andit must be outlawed, without delay.
I’m honored to appear in Jeff’s film alongside my Pit Bull Lazarus. My dogs and I think BSL is un-American. We absolutely agree with our friend and fellow dog lover Dixie Laite (@DameStyle on Twitter), author of this fine hashtag: #MLKwouldknowBSLiswrong
Watch the new Guilty Til Proven Innocent trailer here.After you view it, I hope youll consider adopting one of the literally thousands of pit bulls just like Preston who patiently await their forever homes at animal shelters across this country. Visit your local shelter or check out Petfinderand Pit Bull Rescue Central. Cast your vote against canine racism; Dr. King would definitely approve.
Happy MLK Day!
