Candlelight vigil Wednesday to urge North Carolinians to support changing dog-fighting laws
RALEIGH, North Carolina - Organizers of Wednesday's candlelight vigil hope lawmakers will enact change that guarantees dogs seized from dog-fighting operations will have the opportunity to be individually evaluated, rather than being automatically deemed "dangerous" and destroyed.
The vigil will be held 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Bicentennial Mall, 16 W. Jones St., in Raleigh, near the North Carolina General Assembly. The recent mass euthanasia of 145 dogs - including about 75 puppies - prompted the candlelight vigil, according to Laura Gonzo, one of the organizers. The dogs were seized from Wildside Kennels; a North Carolina dog-fighter's breeding operation. Concerned citizens and representatives of animal rescue groups from across the state are planning to attend.
"We are so thankful that law enforcement and the courts took the crime of dog-fighting serious and that it lead to a guilty plea by the dog fighter," Gonzo said. "But people across North Carolina, as well other parts of the country, expressed outrage because none of the dogs or 75 puppies from the dog fighter's breeding operation were given any opportunity to be evaluated individually and the dogs were all destroyed. We North Carolina humanitarians are calling on the legislature to act to prevent future tragedies."
VIGIL HIGHLIGHTS
Bell will toll 145 times.
Dog Collar Countown:
As a bell is rung once for each of the Wildside Kennel dogs euthanized solely because they were seized from a dog-fighter's breeding operation - a collar will be placed in a circle.
Song: "Wayfaring Stranger," by Shelia Carlisle, noted North Carolina blues singer
Meet Phantom: "Ambassador Pit Bull" and some of his friends.
Handout: "I'm a Lover Not a Fighter" postcard featuring Leo rescued from the Michael Vick Bad Newz Kennels, now one of rescue group Our Pack Inc.'s certified therapy dogs.
CONTACTS:
Barbara Williamson (435) 689-0200 (cell) (or) barbara@bestfriends.org
John Polis (435) 644-2001, ext. 4858 or johnp@bestfriends.org
