13 May 2016

The Champions are coming to Christchurch

An award-winning documentary about the rescue and rehabilitation of dogs saved from a celebrated dog fighting case in the USA is about to be shown in New Zealand for the first time.

Christchurch company The Balanced Dog has secured a licence to show the documentary film The Champions, which depicts the story of pit bulls rescued from the Bad Newz Kennels in 2007. The kennels were owned by NFL football quarterback Michael Vick and, because of his celebrity, the issue of dog fighting was thrust into the American spotlight.

“This film, however, is not about dog fighting. It’s suitable for all ages although we are requiring adult supervision for anyone 15 and younger because of brief references to the court case. The film shows how the dogs were cared for after they were saved,” says Kathleen Crisley, owner of The Balanced Dog.

“The Vick case was ground-breaking because rescue organisations lobbied for the dogs to be allowed to live and given the chance to recover and be adopted. This uplifting film contains interviews with trainers, vets, carers, and legal experts as well as the adoptive owners.”

Crisley is particularly passionate about the story of the Vicktory dogs (as they are now commonly known) because she has worked and trained with some of the experts in the film.

“I’ve been lucky enough to study with the professionals at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah on three occasions. And I’m planning my fourth. These people believe in working with a dog at their own pace and so are not typical dog trainers. They work with the dogs as an entire being and focus on physical, emotional and mental health.”

“I follow these principles in my dog massage and rehabilitation practice.”

The Balanced Dog is giving all proceeds from ticket sales to local dog charities: K9 Rescue and Rehoming, SPCA Canterbury, Dogwatch and Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue. The company is footing the bill for the film licence and venue hire plus all marketing for the event.

“Planning for this event was well underway before the latest dog attacks and media attention. It made me all the more certain that showing the film was the right thing to do for the community.”

The documentary will be shown on Sunday, 26th June at 2 pm at the Christchurch Art Gallery. Advance bookings are being taken by telephone, email and Facebook.

ENDS

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