A couple of weeks ago, we brought you the story of Dahlia Canes and her fight to overturn Miami-Dade's countywide ban on pit bulls, which has turned Broward and Palm Beach counties into a haven for hated dogs.
New Times spoke to Miami pit bull owners about life under the ban, like "Jose," a 25-year-old Mercedes-Benz employee who hides his dog in his room all day while he's at work: "When I walk him, people put their car in reverse and stare like I'm holding a fucking Bengal tiger or something," said Jose, who asked that his real name not be used. Canes rescues a pit bull.
This Sunday, those owners will have a chance to romp with their pit bulls without all the glares. Canes has organized a pit bull barbecue in Broward County -- where the breed is legal. More than 140 pit bull owners have promised to come, most from Miami Dade, Canes says.
"It will be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, gatherings of pit bulls in the history of Florida," says Canes. "It's all about celebrating the dogs that we love."
Even though the animals are legal in Broward, Canes isn't taking any
chances. Photographs won't be allowed, to protect owners' identities.
Canes is even advising those who attend to take roundabout routes home,
in case Animal Services employees decide to scope out the affair.
"We really have to behave like convicts in Miami. It's insane," she says.
If you're interested in the pit bull party -- scheduled for noon at C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines -- check out Canes' website here for details.