"Beyond the Myth" - A Documentary About Pit Bulls and Breed Discrimination October 29, 2011

Gracie’s Guardians, an initiative of the Richmond Animal League, is proud to present the only Virginia screening of “Beyond the Myth”, a movie about pit bulls and breed discrimination.

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, commonly referred to as breed bans. It investigates the myths associated with the breed, challenges the idea that they are inherently vicious, and presents eye-opening research regarding the media's role in influencing people's opinion on "pit bulls".

The movie reveals the perils of breed-specific legislation 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. Denver enforces their ban more stringently than most, killing more than 4,000 pit bull-type dogs since 1989.

The public is invited to attend this movie through the purchase of tickets, the proceeds of which will benefit Gracie’s Guardians and enable the continued distribution of this movie. Tickets are available for purchase at www.beyondthemythmovie.com. Limited seating is available.

In addition to the movie, it is expected that “Gracie” herself will make an appearance and attendees will have the chance to meet the movie’s producer, Libby Sherrill and hear some words from her on the making of the movie.