Stephen Vance, Staff
A powerful and inspirational documentary film will have its Canadian premier showing at Meaford Hall on Friday, June 24.
The Champions tells the story of the pit bulls rescued from the “brutal fighting ring of former Atlanta Falcon’s star quarterback Michael Vick, and those who risked it all to save them, despite pressure from PETA and The Humane Society of the United States to euthanize the dogs.”
The film is being presented by Elizabeth Bennett and David Hood, and all proceeds will go to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
“I am not a member of any particular group, but support several animal welfare organizations. I grew up in Meaford and work for Grey Bruce Health Services. This event is a labour of love,” Elizabeth Bennett told The Independent. “I also believe that people working together, for a common cause, is the most effective path to success.”
Bennett says that the producer of the documentary, Darcy Dennett, is thrilled to have a screening event in Ontario.
In addition to the film, there will be a question and answer period which will be attended by four OSPCA officers.
Though the topic of the film might be disturbing, Bennett says that the focus is not on the fighting, but the rehabilitation of the dogs.
“The film does not show any dog fighting scenes or dogs injured physically from a fight, which would be very difficult to view. It focuses on the rehabilitation of the dogs, the process and the people involved,” said Bennett.
She also noted that the film is not anti-pit bull.
“Public awareness regarding dog fighting, the OSPCA efforts, and the stigma surrounding the pit bull breed, are several themes in the film. Ontario is a hotbed regarding breed discrimination, which is proven to be ineffective, and pit bulls are a wonderful breed that have been hijacked by cruel and ruthless people,” said Bennett.
The film will be shown at Meaford Hall on Friday, June 24, at 7:30 pm. Local musicians will also be performing, and a cash bar will be available. Tickets cost $15 with proceeds going to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
