A Windsor-based group called Advocates
for the Underdog, received a generous
donation from sports celebrity, Don
Cherry and his wife Luba to help aid
the group's efforts in rescuing "pit
bulls" that would
have otherwise been euthanized.
Since the passing of By-law 245-2004
this past October in Windsor, Ontario
"pit bull" type dogs have
been euthanized at alarming rates.
So far 58 "pit" type dogs
have been euthanized in Windsor. New
pups that are born do not even stand
a chance at life as they are already
considered prohibited.
Through the efforts of AFTU co-founders,
Natalie Kemeny and Tammy Williams, "pit
bulls" in the Windsor area are
being rescued and placed in forever
homes in other parts of the province
and one even in British Columbia.
As a result of media coverage regarding
the young "pit" pup named
Diesel that was sent to BC in October
by AFTU, Mr. Cherry heard about the
group. Mr. Cherry was in Vancouver,
BC for the CHL Prospect Game. Mr. Cherry's
wife contacted AFTU and said, "Don
supports what you are doing and wants
you to keep up the good work."
Today, AFTU received a generous donation
from the Cherrys.
"I am thrilled we have Mr. Cherry's
support. We cannot do this without support.
We have received donations from all
over. We have calls from all over Canada
and even the US. It is over-whelming,
" says Natalie Kemeny.
Requests for adoptions from BC since
Mr. Cherry's public approval of the
group's efforts has been overwhelming.
Both Kemeny and Williams agree that
although they greatly appreciate all
the support people are offering to the
Windsor problem, people should check
out their
local shelters to see if any dogs can
be rescued there first. "There
are "pits" all over that need
rescuing," states Williams, "Windsor's
problem is not unique. We just happen
to now have a ban that
persecutes these dogs even further.
Imagine if the entire province bans
these dogs?"
Advocates for the Underdog hopes that
Cherry's high-profile support will help
rejuvenate the fight against Breed Specific
Legislation in Ontario.
