Beyond the Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls (2010)

"Please, educate don't legislate!"

 "Beyond the Myth" (2010)

Director: Libby Sherrill
 Approximate runtime: 1 hr. 34m

 

"Beyond the Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls" Trailer Can Be Watched Here!



"Beyond the Myth is a film about dogs commonly referred to as "pit bulls" and those who love and defend these breeds. It explores the contributing factors behind the public's generalized fear of "pit bulls," and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed discriminatory laws, as carried out in three cities that ban pit bull-type dogs: Denver, Miami, and Cincinnati-along with San Francisco, which requires the animals to be spayed and neutered."   

~ Summary taken from www.imdb.com 

 

 

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

 

I was searching through the  database on Netflix looking for a documentary to watch online, and came across this lovely gem. It was recommended to me via Netflix, but I hesitated about watching it because I didn't want to be depressed. I wanted to watch something that had a feel good vibe to it, and had me smiling (at least on the inside) when the credits rolled. So, long story short, I skipped over this documentary, and continued my search.

 

But, when all was said and done I chose to watch it. The movie poster kept catching my eye when I would scroll through the listings. I remember thinking they made really beautiful color and design choices with this poster. I wanted to know what stories were attached to it, while at the same time dreading the idea of knowing.

 

 I pressed play, and my journey began...

 

This documentary is emotionally charged with personal stories, but stands firmly grounded in facts and statics that are taken from trustworthy resources. It is through this combination of emotion and fact that the goal of getting beyond the myth of what it means to be a pit bull is achieved.  This documentary is an outcry to the public to demand that  the true problems  be addressed. Where do we start in addressing these problems? One residence of Miami-Dade County recommends, "We start by looking at the animal on the opposite end of the leash, the one with two legs, not four."

Discrimination is being directed at  pit bulls, mixes, and dogs who simply have the physical characteristics of a pit bull. Temperament of the dogs aren't even being bought into question. Being born a pure breed pit bull, or a mix  guarantees a dog death in certain cities across America.  When you hear the stories of families who  had their pets taken away, for no reason other then their designated breed, it makes your  heart break. This discrimination is wrong. 

We know that it is wrong to discriminate, and make such sweeping generalizations about people, so why is it okay to do so with animals? Shouldn't animals, like people be judged on a case by case basis? This documentary asks viewers to open their minds, and their hearts. See not what the media has labeled this breed as, but what they really can be. They can be and are for many people, a loving family pet, and service dog (for emotionally or physically disabled individuals).

I would recommend for the tender of heart to have a tissue or three on hand if they decide to watch this documentary. For those of you who shrug your shoulders, and say, "Why should I care? These people aren't me, and this doesn't concern my family's dog."  I would say to you, that it COULD BE your family pet on the chopping block, so approach the issue from that vantage point. You never know when your pet might be on the receiving end of this discrimination.

I mentioned earlier, that I  had reservations about watching this film, and wondered where I would be emotionally when it came to a close. I can surprisingly say, that I am not depressed, but a mixture of emotions. My heart goes out to the many animals and owners who have been affected by laws like these. It hurts to know that there are emotionally sound animals being taken away from their families, never to see them again. Scared, and in distress.

I'm also left with a sense of hope.  Knowing there are people out there fighting back against these laws, speaking out, against things like this (and other injustices)makes me feel that we could be okay in the long run. Driven home is the cruelty of breed specific bans , and how critical it is, as a country, to come together for the dogs, and for ourselves."Beyond The Myth: The Truth About Pit Bulls" leaves you with this question: If we allow laws like this to stand, how far will they go?Where is the line drawn?