HART Coordinates Rescue of Pit Bull Condemned by UK Law
Recently I was asked to help in an extraordinary animal rescue effort from Great Britain. It concerned an emergency relocation of a young and tender Pit-Bull dog named Stanley, who was facing execution by the authorities because of unjust BSL legislation. To understand more about these laws, please look at http://www.realpitbull.com/laws.html.
Though I have been vegan for more than a decade, I must admit that I had very little knowledge about Pit-Bulls, except to have heard vague rumors of apprehension about them. Even other animal rights advocates that I had spoke to held many similar stereotypes about these noble animals, that I have come to learn are born of misunderstanding. (pictured here are Leah Purcell of Spindletop Refuge and Stanley) Because I had been called upon though, to look for a home for little Stanley, I tried my best, despite a feeling of insurmountable foreboding. I knew well that there are so many homeless animals everywhere that need families to take them in. Somehow divine providence seemed to shine upon sweet Stanley, and an organization devoted to the protection and welfare of this breed gave permission to take him... Spindeltop Refuge. Click here to visit Spindletop Pitbill Refuge's homepage  I encourage everyone who is able to make a contribution to these wonderful people, who accepted a canine refugee from foreign shores in need of sanctuary. Stanley and many others await permanent loving homes. With their re-opening in a few weeks, please take the time to meet and discover the hidden majestic mystery that is the Pit-Bull dog, at Spindeltop Refuge.
Once this surprising find of a safe home was established for Stanley, his British rescuers faced the considerable task of transporting him without alerting authorities to his identity. Even though some places here in the US are enacting similar measures to make ownership and handling of these beautiful and loyal dogs illegal, we can not imagine the challenges facing his rescuers in the UK. Here in the US, a similar rescue would simply require driving out of county lines, where these unjust enforcements would hold no power. Imagine facing this predicament on the island country of Britain where there is no escape for refugee dogs because of the borders of the sea on every side. His only means of escape was a speedy and costly ticket out of the country by jet transport. Despite this extravagant ransom that his rescuers had to pay for his release, poor Stanley was forced to endure 14 hours in a crate with only a lick water bottle, no food, nor exercise, by airline regulations... no chew toys or treats, just a long incomprehensible journey mostly in the dark of the cargo hold. Still, his rescuers did this to save his life. Please look at the photos of this vivacious 15 month old sweetheart... who can now act as ambassador for all of the maligned and mistreated kindred animals who suffer his fate. I have seen news reports of police "raids" in England with uniformed officers dressed in combat gear, carrying frightened and disoriented little puppies away to their deaths, because they were born as classified Pit-Bulls. This has been a journey of discovery and education for me. Having met delightful and affectionate Stanley upon his arrival at the airport, I can say that my heart was moved and my mind motivated to further save all life that needs rescue. Young Stanley recognized that we were there to speak for him with love. After so many hours in isolation, his tail started wildly wagging within his crate and his puppy paws and sweet kisses stroked the bars of his confinement to reach us and escape his previous fate.  I encourage everyone who can understand, to make a contribution large or small to his rescuers in England. They faced a great financial burden to save his life, which considering the value of any of our lives or our loved ones is understandable. The Houston Animal Rights Team has graciously offered to collect donations and comments for Stanley's rescuers, and provide a venue for other animals caught in a similar trap. Anything that you can offer will help with his and other rescues.
Also please watch and listen to the great friend to animals, Lana Hughes at KTRH radio. She has previously posted two stories about Stanley's steps toward freedom, and we await a third which shall include an audio interview with an animal spokesperson from Britain. Please view all three posted pages on this site ANIMAL HOUSE, for updates on Stanley and many other animals in Houston that need our attention. Watch KTRH's Animal House homepage for updates to the story I shall also post here, the first news story that KTRH graciously publicised about Stanley on April 9. Please do what you can to help. -JH From the KTRH website: ANIMALS IN THE NEWS Monday 04-09-2007 12:34pm TEXAS MAKES A RESCUE ACROSS 'THE POND'
A little Pitbull Terrier in England named Stanley, who's run out of options in his home country, is being taken in by Spindletop Rescue in the Houston area. Say his rescuers: We "understand the mixed feelings of those in the rescue community here that want local animals to come first. On the other hand, all life is sacred, and there are no options for this dog in the UK, as he has an automatic death sentence, just by existing because of their new enforcements" about putting down homeless Pit Bulls. Even no-kill advocates in Australia have made contributions to Spindletop for accepting Stan the Brit pit, who will soon be calling Texas home. ******************** Click the play button below to listen to an interview on this issue between KTRH's Lana Hughes and an Animal Rehabilitator in the UK who explains why Pit-Bulls, like Stanley, are currently threatened in Britain. |