Former NFL star Michael Vick is serving 23 months in prison for running an illegal dog-fighting operation.  But Leo, a battle-scarred victim of Vick’s incredibly cruel pastime, has become a contributing member of society.

After months of rehabilitation at the Our Pack Rescue Shelter in Los Gatos, California, the 2-year-old male Pit Bull is working as a certified therapy dog with stroke victims at a San Jose hospital.  Click here to view video of Leo at work.    

Two of the 49 seriously injured and malnourished animals had to be destroyed, one because of ill health, another for being too aggressive.  The remaining Pit Bulls were rehabilitated and placed in loving homes.  

“If Michael Vick’s operation of horror had been discovered in Miami-Dade County, these animals would have stood very little chance of survival. If not for the efforts of various rescue groups ...they simply would have been killed,” exclaims Dahlia Canes, a fiery local animal advocate and strong opponent of BSL (Breed Specific Legislation).

BSL is a county adopted ordinance (1989) that bans all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, without regard for the animal or their human family, from Miami-Dade County.   The BSL has been part of the Miami-Dade County code for over two decades and during that time thousands of Pit Bulls have been confiscated from responsible pet lovers and “euthanized” by the local animal services dept. 

“This is a canine holocaust,” Canes says. “It is not in the dogs breed to be aggressive, simply look at the end of the leash.” 

Canes, along with other Pit Bull advocates,  have aggressively fought to have BSL removed from the county code books and has appeared numerous times before the Miami-Dade County Commission.  Her pleas have falling on deaf ears. County leaders, fearing a backlash from residents who have an unfounded ignorance and fear of the animals, have refused to repeal the ordinance. 

Canes believe that the rare attacks that have occurred are sensationalized by media hype and have led to people’s misconception of these dogs.  “Look at the animals abused by Vick,” she points out. “Only one was euthanized and the rest are thriving,”  

Canes is not alone in her belief that Pit Bulls are as safe as any other breed of dog.  “These are very loving and loyal animals,” says Edel Miedes, a canine behaviorist, trainer and founder of www.K9ADVISORS.com.  “Let’s stop punishing innocent dogs and their families in Miami-Dade County and remove the ineffective and discriminatory Breed Specific Legislation ordinance from our county laws,” Miedes recently told the commissioners.  (Photo at Right:  A fuming Dahlia Canes & Edel Miedes at a recent Miami-Dade Commissioner hearing regarding BSL.  The commissioners were flippant and dismissive about the issue).  

Dahlia Canes is determined in her quest to rid Miami-Dade County of Breed Specific Legislation.  Her efforts have come at a tremendous personal cost, both in terms of time and financial resources.  She knows that any battle worth fighting always comes with sacrifice and she says she will never give up.   

On Sunday, November 30^th, Dahlia, Edel and an extensive list of Pit Bull advocates will be at Brasserie Les Halles in Coral Gables for a cocktail fundraiser to support the fight against Miami-Dade’s BSL ordinance. 

Sponsored in part by GaySoFla.com, Ambiente Magazine, OWS Wine & Spirits, Chamarré France, K9 Advisors, PixelGlue Digital Marketing & Design, Midnight Witch Productions, and location hosted by Brasserie Les Halles, amongst the performers attending will be Lisa M and Twin Soul. 

For a donation of only $50, attendees will enjoy complimentary wines provided by OWS and hors d'oeuvres provided by Les Halles.  The night will also feature a silent auction and numerous raffles.    

For more information or to RSVP, please call Dahlia Canes at 305-323-3960 or Edel Miedes at 786-419-3647.   IF you are unable to attend but would like to make a donation to this worthy cause, please visit www.furbabiesrescue-fostercare.org .  

Related Stories:  

An Interview with South Florida's Very Own Dog Whisperer 

Touch Down for the Pits! 

Pet lover, Animal-rights activist or just a Crazy Dog Lady?   

Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child from Attacker

David L. Wylie is the Senior Editor of GaySOFLA Magazine.  Wylie is passionate about creating an online media outlet that will encourage, entertain and educate the south Florida LGBT Community.  Wylie hopes that GaySOFLA serves that purpose.  He can be reached at David@gaysofla.com