Post by RealPitBull on Dec 2, 2008 12:29:22 GMT -5
This boycott has been floating around in various forms for a while now. The topic recently came up on this forum and just coincodentally a few days later, I received an email on this very same topic. I thought I'd put this response out there regarding RPB's stand on an Amazon boycott.
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To Whom it May Concern:
RPB does not support a boycott of Amazon.com. There are a number of reasons for this, not the least of which is free speech and anti-censorship beliefs on the part of RPB.
Here are some things to consider before you continue forwarding this information around.
1) Dog and cock fighting are still legal in many parts of the world. I understand that Amazon is an American company but they have international customers.
2) The information presented in books like the one mentioned in this message is widely available, both in other books and for free on the internet. If someone wanted to learn how to fight dogs, all they need do is a quick internet search or purchase one of the many books from many sources on the topic; in actuality, many pro-Pit Bull, anti-dog fighting sites provide enough historical information that could be used in an unintended/detrimental way. The information is out there, and trying to eliminate it is not the way to end abuse or criminal activity.
3) The book in question is a historical reprint written in **1888**. Many people who are 100% opposed to dog fighting still have a historical interest in the breed's past. Historical books provide information and education and can help an individual fully understand the breed and where it came from. An owner should understand how and why dog fighting took place, how it shaped the breed, and how the APBT's dog fighting history affects the breed today.
4) There is an incorrect belief that certain objects or items automatically prove involvement in or support dog fighting. Historical books and managzines are often used as 'evidence' that dog fighting is taking place. This is something every APBT owner with any books on the breed should be concerned about. It is erroneous thinking that leads someone down the road to believe that just because there is written material of a certain nature, illegal activity related to that material must be taking place. Frighteningly enough, law enforcement uses this very line of thinking to help them kill dogs and take innocent people to trial on dog fighting charges.
One of RPB's position statements, in fact, reads:
"We also recognize that highly publicized 'dog fighting paraphernalia' is in and of itself not an indication of criminal activity. As such, we are opposed to the persecution and prosecution of individuals whose only 'crime' is possession of such items as:
Historical books and magazines; Treadmills; Springpoles; Break sticks."
5) Opposing suppliers or companies that are unabashedly and obviously pro-dog fighting and make the majority of their money off of promotion/sale of items or books that promote dog fighting is one thing; RPB agrees that such suppliers of books, tools and magazines should not be supported. Amazon.com is a book seller that has no vested interest in dog fighting, and in fact their animal fighting books are a drop in a very large bucket. It is misguided to believe that a boycott of Amazon will in any way help to end dog fighting or even send any sort of message. And even if a person's strong feeling is that they wish to not support Amazon, they should avoid hypocrisy and also boycott every bookseller that may sell similar books and products, whether they be large chain stores like Barnes and Noble or small mom n' pop sellers and used/rare book dealers who may make money off of selling an out of print book to a customer.
In closing, RPB and other rescue/advocacy organizations are able to make money through Amazon's free associate program in which a portion of a purchase price of items Amazon sells goes directly into the pockets of the organization. This is beneficial to all involved. It is a shame that such a useful service offered by a company with great selection and great prices will now bring in less money for organizations that oppose cruelty, BSL and other threats to our breed, due to this and similar boycotts.
Sincerely,
~Mary L. Harwelik
Founder/Director, The REAL Pit Bull
www.realpitbull.com
RPB's Mission & Vision Statements:
- Mission Statement -
The Real Pit Bull is an education and advocacy organization dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier; our mission is to serve as an advocate for the breed; provide information; and educate those who impact the lives of Pit Bulls.
- Vision -
RPB envisions a future in which the American Pit Bull Terrier is widely recognized as a companion animal and working dog partner; dog fighting is a thing of the past; dog laws focus on deed not breed; and all American Pit Bull Terriers have loving, responsible homes.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
To Whom it May Concern:
RPB does not support a boycott of Amazon.com. There are a number of reasons for this, not the least of which is free speech and anti-censorship beliefs on the part of RPB.
Here are some things to consider before you continue forwarding this information around.
1) Dog and cock fighting are still legal in many parts of the world. I understand that Amazon is an American company but they have international customers.
2) The information presented in books like the one mentioned in this message is widely available, both in other books and for free on the internet. If someone wanted to learn how to fight dogs, all they need do is a quick internet search or purchase one of the many books from many sources on the topic; in actuality, many pro-Pit Bull, anti-dog fighting sites provide enough historical information that could be used in an unintended/detrimental way. The information is out there, and trying to eliminate it is not the way to end abuse or criminal activity.
3) The book in question is a historical reprint written in **1888**. Many people who are 100% opposed to dog fighting still have a historical interest in the breed's past. Historical books provide information and education and can help an individual fully understand the breed and where it came from. An owner should understand how and why dog fighting took place, how it shaped the breed, and how the APBT's dog fighting history affects the breed today.
4) There is an incorrect belief that certain objects or items automatically prove involvement in or support dog fighting. Historical books and managzines are often used as 'evidence' that dog fighting is taking place. This is something every APBT owner with any books on the breed should be concerned about. It is erroneous thinking that leads someone down the road to believe that just because there is written material of a certain nature, illegal activity related to that material must be taking place. Frighteningly enough, law enforcement uses this very line of thinking to help them kill dogs and take innocent people to trial on dog fighting charges.
One of RPB's position statements, in fact, reads:
"We also recognize that highly publicized 'dog fighting paraphernalia' is in and of itself not an indication of criminal activity. As such, we are opposed to the persecution and prosecution of individuals whose only 'crime' is possession of such items as:
Historical books and magazines; Treadmills; Springpoles; Break sticks."
5) Opposing suppliers or companies that are unabashedly and obviously pro-dog fighting and make the majority of their money off of promotion/sale of items or books that promote dog fighting is one thing; RPB agrees that such suppliers of books, tools and magazines should not be supported. Amazon.com is a book seller that has no vested interest in dog fighting, and in fact their animal fighting books are a drop in a very large bucket. It is misguided to believe that a boycott of Amazon will in any way help to end dog fighting or even send any sort of message. And even if a person's strong feeling is that they wish to not support Amazon, they should avoid hypocrisy and also boycott every bookseller that may sell similar books and products, whether they be large chain stores like Barnes and Noble or small mom n' pop sellers and used/rare book dealers who may make money off of selling an out of print book to a customer.
In closing, RPB and other rescue/advocacy organizations are able to make money through Amazon's free associate program in which a portion of a purchase price of items Amazon sells goes directly into the pockets of the organization. This is beneficial to all involved. It is a shame that such a useful service offered by a company with great selection and great prices will now bring in less money for organizations that oppose cruelty, BSL and other threats to our breed, due to this and similar boycotts.
Sincerely,
~Mary L. Harwelik
Founder/Director, The REAL Pit Bull
www.realpitbull.com
RPB's Mission & Vision Statements:
- Mission Statement -
The Real Pit Bull is an education and advocacy organization dedicated to the American Pit Bull Terrier; our mission is to serve as an advocate for the breed; provide information; and educate those who impact the lives of Pit Bulls.
- Vision -
RPB envisions a future in which the American Pit Bull Terrier is widely recognized as a companion animal and working dog partner; dog fighting is a thing of the past; dog laws focus on deed not breed; and all American Pit Bull Terriers have loving, responsible homes.
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