Prada - victim of breedism
Ernest Dempsey — Justice demands that when somebody abuses a living being, be it human or animal, the abuser be punished and the victim provided protection and care. But we see, sadly, that if the victim is a dog of pit bull breed, the law is nowadays put in effect in the reverse—robbing the victimized dog of its life after it has suffered at the hands of people. This is the story of Prada, a 4-year-old pit bull mix who’s been caged at the Metro Animal Control, Nashville, TN, for over one year. And she will be euthanized on Monday, 13th of February.
Sentenced on Friday, February 3, 2012, to death via euthanasia, Prada was taken into custody in January 2011 after she broke loose and got into a fight with two dogs, one after another, outside her house. In none of the cases, however, was Prada responsible for the attacks nor did she show aggression of a sort that would prove her a dangerous dog.
After the first incident with a neighbor’s dog, Prada’s owner Nicole Andree called the police to seek help with getting control of Prada. But the police did not show up for at least an hour-and-a-half—a dangerously long time for a situation involving dogs, and a stressed and frightened Prada ran away in a place that was strange to her. On the way, she got into a fight with a German Shepherd whose owner failed to control it.
By the time the police arrived, Prada had been beaten with belts by a group of men. Wounded, stressed, and frightened, Prada needed to be with her owner. But she was handled by the group of angry people who had wounded her and they chained her to a tree. Nicole rushed to help her after calling the police but was stopped from doing so by the people, yelling and hovering there in highly aroused states, and then by the police that arrived late and let Prada remained chained there for 4 hours! During this time, Prada was barked at by a bunch of other dogs, adding to her fright and stress.
The wounded Prada ultimately broke the chain in desperation and ran toward the dogs let to bark at her. Here the police came in action and tasered Prada, wounding her more and it took another hour for the animal control to arrive and take the abused dog into their custody. Since then, she has undergone repeated trials and all appeals to save her have been ignored or turned down. To ensure she does not miss the death row, Prada was labaled ‘dangerous’ by the animal control staff on the basis that she once attacked a dog in the shelter. Why they failed to keep her and the dog from coming into contact is something the authorities wouldn’t like to explain.
It is strongly believed by all who know about her case that Prada has been denied a fair trial. The woman who allegedly got bit has said twice in court that she was bit by her own dog, not by Prada. This is also confirmed by the bite report. Even Billy Biggs, Field Operations Manager for Metro Animal Control, has sworn by affidavit that Prada is not aggressive as he has witnessed her behavior around a variety of people during her incarceration. Yet, the breedist bias of the authorities has influenced the court into labeling Prada as a vicious dog that deserves death.
Prada, by objective accounts, is innocent, but she will be executed because she is a pit bull. Police and people abused her; animal control staff wrongly labeled her dangerous; and the court of law did opposite than doing justice to her. Who will save Prada when her captors are all bent on seeing her dead? Who but the voice of people will save this victim of abuse from imminent death like that of other pit bulls caused by the breedist crackdown on canine life in many states of America!
An online petition started to save Prada through public support is still receiving signatures of caring souls and all those who believe in justice are being asked to sign the petition as well as write to the authorities and media to not let humanity down by snatching Prada’s life for simply being a victim; for doing so will be the death of justice.
Please stop and think about everyone you know that has a dog , now think about what might happen if by chance one of those dogs that are usually not let lose did get lose and then lost , would they be scared ?? Would they defend themselves ? Well so would any human in that situation but you wouldn’t put them to sleep for defending themselves. Just think about your actions and please don’t put this dog down. PLEASE!!!!!
What ever happened to common sence and compassion?? I can see it’s long since dead by reading any newspaper or animal story on facebook. When did it die? Why doesn’t anyone seem to be able to revive it?? Give this dog a break, let her have a chance. I’m so tired of reading these awful stories and the animal contol people’s insane over reactions to every animal situation. They only know one answer to every problem: KILL IT. Is there not ONE person working with this dog who has the balls to do the right thing?? If just one person could find courage, who knows, it just might catch on. what would happen if we could offer compassion and hope in this world instead of abuse and death and apathy.
Words cannot express my gratitude to you for your story. WE have fought so hard, against all odds, to save the life of this beautiful creature. You are the only one that has accurately reported the abuse she has endured. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you.
This is outrageous that this dog was not treated fairly. How many stories of family dogs murdered because of human ignorance do we have to endure before the people demand that the laws be changed to protect the DOGS! Please have a true Dog Behaviorist evaluate Prada before you end her life! America should be ashamed the way Pit Bulls are Constantly being discriminated against and slaughtered based on folk lore.
This is sad that people would do such a thing to an animal. while the poor little lady was trying to protect herself. Please do not punish her for stupid human behavior. this story has me in tears.
I see that Racisim is alive and well in Tennessee. YES I SAID RACISIM!!!! This little girl deserves to live out her life with her chosen guardians. if you kill her, it makes you no better than the people wanting her dead.
This is crazy. The people did not have control of their dogs. They placed their animals & themselves in danger. This dog was trying to protect herself & her surrondings as anyone else would or any other dog. The people in Animal Control,Police & the neighbors should be repermanded on this issue. They had no reason or cause to beat & injurer this dog. This dog does not deserve a DEATH SENTENCE because of idot dog owners & members of the public .
Stupidity seems to be so common among people. They don’t look at all the facts before they form an opinion. It is disgusting. The animal control people, the police, the other dog Owners all committed acts of sheer stupidity and the dog suffers. And none of these people care. So sad. I guess they think animals have no feelings. Animals are so much better than the human race.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for your unbiased reporting of the facts of this case!!!! Truly a breath of fresh air!!
The dog Prada is definitely being railroaded to a death sentence based solely on her appearance of being a pit-bull. The hysteria and vengeance, driven primarily by Brian Todd of Metro Animal Control, is reminiscent of the backwoods public lynching mind-set that took place in the not so distant history in the south. Prada is not a vicious dog and Metro Animal Control knows this, Brian Todd/Metro Animal Control is simply prejudiced against pit-bulls and want the dog dead for no other reason. Full stop.
It NOTABLE that almost every single one of NFL player Michael Vick’s pit-bulls, the poor dogs he bred and trained exclusively for his dog fighting operation, were rehabilitated and placed in safe and loving homes, many with children as well as other animals…. all these dogs knew was dog-fighting, which means any dog has the potential to be turned around if given a chance!
http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2010/08/jim-gorant-lost-dogs-our-review.html
I ask that all those cheering for Prada’s death to please visit this website to learn the plight of NFL player Michael Vick’s trained fight-to-kill pit bulls. Almost every one of his dogs were rehabilitated even though all odds were against them.
Who would have ever believed that such dogs, dogs that knew absolutely nothing but the violence and abuse of dog-fighting, could ever be rehabilitated, especially given that they were bred, reared and relentlessly beaten so they would fight to kill?
With love, proper care, socialization and training, these dogs proved not to be the stereo-typical cold blooded monsters that people wanted to paint them as, even though they had indeed “TASTED BLOOD” many times over, most of the dogs have moved to normal homes, many with children, as well as other pets, and have become cherished family members.
Even the few dogs too conditioned to fighting to be re-homed, showed their caretakers their soft nature, thanks to the work of Best Friends Animal Society.
Everyone of us has a responsibility to do our part to make the world a better place. The perpetuation of myths, untruths, hearsay, malicious gossip and folklore does nothing to elevate higher learning, education or raise consciousness in what should be a progressive civilized society.
Anyone rooting for Prada’s death, please educate yourself about the FACTS of the Prada Andree case (accurately reported in this article), as well as Pit-bulls as a whole, before calling for Prada’s execution.
TEAM PRADA! I’ve been spreading the word for this sweet baby! I would love to meet this sweet bundle of joy! FREE PRADA!
We need to push efforts to get the word out that pitt bulls are not dangerous unless humans have hurt them and taught them to be that way. We must immediately remove the stigma from these sweet animals. This is racial profiling of the worst kind. If I had said to a black man, hey, ur black, u may get a gun and hurt me so u have to be killed….would anyone protest? I sure hope so. Same thing is happening here…these animals are judged solely on their breed and not how they really live their lives. Does anyone remember whent they were called “Nanny dogs” because they protected the children?
Please work with ur local animal shelter to help people understand and correct this bias. If everyone would just take a few minutes out of their busy day to write a letter, make a phone call, send an email…..it would help save another animal. These sweet creatures of God are put here as our companions, please, let’s not continue to allow them to be harmed and put to death for no reason other than human ignorance.
The men who hit Prada with belts should be charged with abuse. I’m surprised they didn’t have sheets over their heads.
someone please help prada!! she does not deserve all that so called humans have put this gorgeous baby through!!! Praying for you prada <3<3
Stop it now
Prada does not deserve the victimization & abuse that she has had to endure for over a year now, all because she got out, got scared & is a pitbull. Had she been a poodle (like her brother) this would not be an issue. Now, to rub salt into her wounds & to try & ensure Pradas death, Nicole has to come up with a 15,000 bond by Feb 26 just to be able to lodge an appeal against Pradas death sentence. A secure donation site has been set up
http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=894&url=prada
so come on people get behind her & give.
Please Ernest Dempsey do another story on Prada to help raise the funds she needs as if she doesn’t have them when she goes to court, she will be put down
FREE PRADA ANDREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is such a sad story. does anyone have any feelings or a consious to help something that only knows how to protect itself. wouldnt you if someone were going hurt you ,would you not defend yourself. would you want to be murdered for it! no they dont think of such things for people just something that cant speak for itself. i have a pit bull someone dropped and he has been shot in the face and blind and after that he is not mean. its just the mean people that makes them mean. i am praying for prada and her freedom. i dont think thAT GOD would want HIS PRECIOUS ANIMALS TREATED THE WAY SOME PEOPLE TREAT THEM . I THINK HE WILL MAKE THEM ANSWER FOR IT SOME DAY. Shes just a dog that got out my goodness dont everyone make mistakes and we get second and third and more chances GIVE HER ANOTHER CHANCE.IF SHES MURDERED ITS ON THEIR HEADS!
Put this dog out its misery. It’s a dangerous animal.
Dear Meals on Wheels…
I pray God brings you love in your heart and ends your misery soon, whatever it may be that makes hate in your heart. I send you puppy kisses and tail wags and I am grateful my mommy loves me enough to fight for the truth. Love, Light, & Pibbles
btw…misery is not something my mommy has taught me however she does say, we must learn to sing in our own prison before God reveals the most beautiful rainbow ever. Mommy took a picture of our rainbow the other day in the sky. I am grateful for the fact that God chose me to use to unite an amazing group of people and not your animal if you even have one. Dangerous people have put me here with false accusations because I am a mythical 45lb monster with magical strength. It is my mommy who has been gifted with magical strength from Earnest and the Animal Army that allows her to stay strong and save my life. Thank you Earnest for the beautiful article. I just wish I could have a bath for all these pictures.
Meals on Wheels…you have no basis for your comment. You obviously haven’t read the court transcripts. You need to get your facts straight before commenting.
Meals on Wheels, I wish I could write what I think about you and your rotten post, but suffice it to say it is not good or flattering. Prada is not dangerous. People who write things like you did ARE!
If you have read the court notes you will clearly see this is a case of an owner that could not/would not control her dog. This dog escaped more than once. In many cities the law is if a dog regardless of breed attacks another dog or cat, the dog is to be euthanized.
The judge had 3 options: Release the dog to its owner and contain the dog. Of course that was not an option because Prada is a known escape artist. Microchip the dog and return her to her owners care, which won’t work because the dog is an escape artist. Or euthanize the dog.
I am a American Pit Bull Terrier advocate, owner, and supporter of the breed. If this media circus surrounding this one dog I can see the road that the laws will be heading and it will not be pretty. BSL has been instated in places for less. I do not want to see Nashville TN as one of those places. I don’t want to see several families destroyed because of this one dog. I also can not understand why people are raising this kind of money for a dog that is not going to be released. Its been ruled 3 times this dog be euthanized. Do you know how many deserving dogs could have been saved with the kind of money raised to pay for Prada’s appeals. I’m sure her owner means well, but its time to let it go for the sake of all the other pit bulls in Nashville TN and surrounding areas.
Prada is a very smart dog escape artists are. Their level of intelligence is high. Pradas owner could not build the type of enclosure the city mandated in her housing community.Easy to say..just let it go,,if it is not your dog. If you have been keeping up with this you would know that Tia Torres of Villa Lobos has been in negotiations to take the dog. The owner is willing to give Prada up as long as she gets to live.And the City DA still continues to be problematical and uncooperative. Negotiations are still under way.So, Nashville will kill a dog because it is an escape artist? Seems to me that is what I call an excuse. Extorting all that money is also wrong.If Nashville tries to get BSL introduced into the city I can assure you it is because of their own desire to kill this breed and continue to strong arm dog owners.Nashville is to blame..not Prada or the family that loves her and keeps fighting for her. You can’t break the unbreakable..Ain’t going to happen.