NHSPCA to Show Film, 'Beyond the Myth'

The New Hampshire SPCA is proud to announce that it will host a screening of the acclaimed documentary film, “Beyond the Myth”.  The film focuses on breed discrimination specifically as it pertains to the ‘bully’ breeds. The screening will be held on April 22 at 3 p.m. at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham and is open to the public.

The NHSPCA took in and re-homed nearly 1,000 dogs last year. Among those dogs, many mixes and breeds could be found, including many ‘bully’ breeds.  Through no fault of their own all types of dogs can find themselves left behind at the shelter.  For dogs and puppies combined, our average length of stay is about 20 days.  However, with many so called ‘bully’ breeds, adoption may take far longer, often several months pass before a loving home if found.   

Slow adoption numbers for specific breeds is a concern here at the New Hampshire SPCA as it becomes more difficult to keep animals in good physical and mental health the longer they remain in the shelter environment.   In addition, we see more discussion on the news and in the legislatures that would limit the ability for certain breeds to find a second chance at a loving home.   We believe that each animal should be assessed individually and without bias of breed.  

To that end, each dog that comes through our doors is assessed for appropriate temperament.  Our assessment looks for indicators of behavioral issues such as resource guarding, animal sociability, and confidence, among many others.  While temperament assessment in the shelter environment is not fool proof, assessments help us gain useful information about that animal’s temperament and behaviors that new adopters may experience in the home.

“With this screening we hope to provide the community with new information,” said Lisa Dennison, NHSPCA Executive Director.  “People hear about incidents such as the awful one here in Stratham a few weeks ago and some jump to conclude that all bully breeds are bad, or vicious, or dangerous.   We don’t believe that any breed is inherently any of those things, including the bully breeds.  We hope this film can provide an alternative viewpoint.”

The screening will be held at 3pm on Sunday, April 22 at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, NH.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.beyondthemythmovie.com and clicking on “See The Movie/Find a Screening” or at the door.   The cost per ticket is $10 which will benefit the animals at the New Hampshire SPCA.

About The Film

Beyond the Myth is a film about dog breeds commonly referred to as ‘pit bulls’ and those who love and defend these dogs.  Viewers are taken on a journey to four U.S. cities where Breed Specific Legislation focusing on ‘pit bulls’ has profoundly impacted the people and animals:  Denver, Miami, Cincinnati and San Francisco.

The documentary intelligently explores the contributing factors behind the public’s generalized fear of ‘pit bulls’, and examines the conflict existing between advocates and opponents of breed specific legislation.  It also investigates the myths associated with these breeds, challenges the idea that they are inherently vicious, and presents eye-opening research regarding the media’s role in influencing people’s opinion’s on dog attacks.

The primary interviewees consist of well-established, key players in the pit bull advocacy community in the U.S., along with experienced animal law attorney’s, dog trainers and temperament evaluators, legislatures, and animal care professional that have played integral roles in either fighting BSL or charged with upholding it.  A full cast of characters can be seen on the website:  www.Beyondthemythmovie.com.

The New Hampshire SPCA is a community resource center that provides animal adoption, education, investigation and sheltering services in a professional and compassionate way.  The Adoption Center is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and closed on Wednesday. For more information about the NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org.                                    

Submitted by Sheila Ryan, director of development and marketing NHSPCA, Stratham