With a reputation that precedes them, pit bulls are the world’s most misunderstood breed of dogs. Once ranked among America’s top five favourite pets – and known as the “nanny dog” for their gentleness with children – pit bulls have fallen from grace, outcasted by society with the likes of ex-convicts. Now, in an effort to transform pit bull and parolee stereotypes and repair both their tarnished reputation – and lives – comes an emotional new series from Animal Planet, PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES. Premiering Saturday, February 21 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES follows Tia Maria Torres, a 49-year-old mother, renowned pit bull trainer and founder and owner of Villalobos Rescue Center – the largest pit bull rescue and rehabilitation facility in the U.S. Together with her staff of ex-convicts – the guys no one else will hire – fiery drama and unexpected joy results as Torres battles to give both man and man’s best friend a second chance, while trying to reposition public perception toward pit bulls.
PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES follows the turbulent drama and bittersweet moments as ex-convicts and ill-reputed dogs come together to strengthen one another. Sharing the same dominant traits of a pit bull – determination, agility, strength and energy – Torres has the power to make a positive change for the prison community and the dog world.
Watch as one woman fulfills her dream of saving pit bulls from dangerous and abusive situations and gives parolees a chance to repair their reputations and their lives. Fighting stereotypes against both pit bulls and parolees, Torres wants people to understand that these dogs can make good pets for the right owners and that people should think twice before they judge this breed and the men at her ranch who help save them.
“Not many are willing to give a second chance to these parolees,” says Torres, “but I have. And now the ‘bad boys’ of society meet the so-called ‘bad boys’ of the canine community, and boom! Just like that – they create magic together. They bring out a side of each other that’s sweet, warm and unbelievably touching.”
