Positive Pit Bull And Halo Advocate For The Breed Hoping To End Animal Abuse [VIDEO]

Halo is lucky to be alive.  Before his rescue at 4-months he endured unspeakable abuse. Now he's advocating for his breed and training to be a therapy dog.

As shocking as it may seem, Halo's story isn't that uncommon.  Animal abuse in rampant and there's many reasons it happens.  Believe it or not, it's a fact that some animal abusers are also, woman and children abusers.  Some people are just plan cruel and enjoy hurting a defenseless animal.  Others, end up abandoning their animals or mistreating them because they didn't do their homework before they got them.

Before getting a pet, especially a dog, educate yourself about the breed you want.  Get answers to simple but, important questions like; Is the dog gonna get bigger?  Will he bark a lot?   How much exercise will it need?  Is this an inside or outside dog?  Is this a good family dog or is this a good dog for kids?  Does it shed or slobber?  Don't just get a dog to get one.

Unfortunately, some people get Bull breed dogs for status or make them fighting dogs by using unspeakable and inhuman tactics to turn the dog vicious.  This in turn is destroying the name and image of Bull breed dogs and driving them into extinction because of widespread euthanasia and bans.

Halo, like countless other Bull breed dogs, is a victim of having a bad owner.  At only 4 months old he was badly abused and tortured.  He was shot several times, including 3 times in the head by his former owner, 20-yr old Tyler Scott Sanders.  He had multiple contusions, broken bones and injuries including a shattered elbow, which will cause him to limp for the rest of his life.  A postal worker found him and reported his condition to Calcasieu Parish Animal Control.  A volunteer, Jess Single was working that day and then called Renee' Smith, owner and founder of Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue(LCPBR).  The doctor on duty at animal control, Dr. Stark, tended to Halo's injuries and even stayed after hours to help him.

As soon as LCPBR started postng what happened to Halo, people started contacting them, telling them that they knew who abused him.  From there Calcasieu Animal Services got involved and notified Lake Charles D.A. John DeRosier, who agreed to take the case.  From there Sanders was charged with animal cruelty and sentenced to 10-years, with 5 suspended and 5 years supervised probation.  He is not allowed to EVER own another animal again and had to pay ALL of Halo's vet bills.

Thank God for people who care and have the courage to take a stand against heinous crimes like this.  Because of them, Halo is alive and thriving.  He is proof that Bull breed dogs have a gentle, smart and loving spirit.  Today Halo's one happy Staffordshire Bull Terrier who's not only changing the way people see Bull Dogs, but educating people to recognize and report animal cruelty.

After all that he's been through Halo is training to become a therapy dog as part of The Positive Pit Project.  One day, he will save the life of a U.S. Veteran who's suffering from PTSD.  Below is video of Halo and Renee' Smith of LCPBR, stopping by the 107 Jamz studio.  Learn more about him and the tireless work Renee' and Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue do to help dogs like Halo.

Understand that any dog with teeth can bite.  However, with responsible owners this can be greatly minimized.  Owners need to take responsibility and properly train their dogs, no matter the breed, and educate their children as well.  A lot of times children hit, taunt, pick or tease dogs because they are unaware that this is wrong.  As parents and dog owners it's the responsible thing to do, to teach your kids that this behavior is not OK.  This way, the animal doesn't see the child as a threat or an association with pain.

Team Halo and countless organization such as Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue, Bull Breed Coalition, Beyond The Myth, Wags and Walks, VillaLobos Rescue Center, Pit Bull Freedom Project, Famous Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan and others are doing their part to educate the public and bring awareness about Bull breed dogs.   These dogs are NOT historically vicious. They don't deserve to be euthanized and banned, because they have bad owners.

They need our help, stiffer laws, longer sentences and bigger fines to protect them from abuse, being forced to fight and falling into the hands of criminals who are using them for illegal activity.  Lets outlaw dog fighting and animal abuse and make it clear that this is unacceptable in our country.  If we don't, we will run Bull breed dogs into extinction for nothing.  Because the criminals will just find another breed to fight.

Animal Planets Victoria Stilwell, trainer & host of "It's Me or The Dog" said it best, "We need to tackle the right end of the leash, which is the person and not the dog."

Finally, Bull bread dogs make perfect therapy dogs as well.  After all that Halo endured, he still loves humans.  He's sweet, loving, eager to please and very intelligent, which make him an excellent therapy dog candidate.  One day soon, a U.S. Veteran will  have the pleasure of sharing their life with one awesome dog.