Friends of MADACC will host a screening of “Beyond the Myth,” a film about dog breeds commonly referred to as “pit bulls” and those who love these breeds, Thursday, October 25 at 7:15 p.m. at The Oriental Theatre, 2230 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee.

Tickets to the screening are $10 and only available online, in advance, at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/269860.

Viewers are taken on a journey to four U.S. cities where Breed Specific Legislation focusing on “pit bulls” has impacted people and animals: Denver, Miami, Cincinnati, and San Francisco. The documentary 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 these breeds, challenges the idea that they are inherently vicious, and presents research regarding the media’s role in influencing people’s opinion on dog attacks.

“‘Beyond the Myth’ takes a powerfully candid look at the public bias that surrounds ‘pit bull-type’ dogs, as well as the laws that discriminate against them and their owners. The film allows the audience to experience the fear and frustration of families affected by breed bans, and puts the panic-driven hype into perspective with ‘real’ statistics and first-person accounts. ‘Beyond the Myth’ is a ‘must-see’ documentary for any and all dog lovers.” - Jodi Preis, Founder of Bless the Bullys and National Pit Bull Awareness Day

“‘Beyond the Myth’ is the first hard-hitting, emotionally-charged documentary to expose the truth about ‘pit bull-type’ dogs: dogs as maligned as they are misunderstood. This film shows these dogs for what they are: loving, loyal, and playful companions that deserve fairness, respect, and protection. It is a film that anyone who lives with a dog should consider seeing.” - Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

Proceeds from the screening benefit Friends of MADACC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of Milwaukee County’s homeless animals housed at the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC). MADACC currently rescues and assures safe, temporary shelter, veterinary, and humane care for over 13,000 stray, unwanted, abandoned, mistreated, and injured animals each year — more than any other animal control shelter in Wisconsin. Funds raised by Friends of MADACC support facility improvements such as installing outdoor exercise kennels, educational programs like Battle Against Dogfighting (BAD), and spay/neuter surgeries to increase adoption placement of the animals at MADACC and help reduce Milwaukee County’s pet overpopulation program.

For more information about Beyond the Myth, visit www.beyondthemythmovie.com.

To learn more about Friends of MADACC, visit www.madaccfriends.org.