Vigil Guide

Why It Matters

This is your guide to holding, helping with or participating in the My Dog Votes 3rd Annual Worldwide Candlelight Vigil Against Breed Bans.

Breed Bans - Escalating At An Alarming Rate

Breed bans and other anti-dog laws are being passed and enacted at an alarming rate, resulting in untold pain and suffering for innocent dogs and their owners.  All of these laws are popular with local politicians that want to "do something" about dangerous dogs, yet this solution does not address dog bite prevention in the least.

Remember The Vicitims

My Dog Votes Annual Worldwide Candlelight Vigil Against breed bans is held to remember those innocent dogs who were once owned and loved, that  are now dead or waiting to die alone in shelters.

There are three kinds of victims of breed bans and breed-specific policies:

• Innocent Dogs - dogs pay the ultimate price, they pay with their lives
• Innocent Dog Owners -  dog owners suffer harrasment, humiliation, or are in hiding
• Innocent Public - the public is victimized by a false sense of security and policies that are fact nor on fact, but fear and hype

This special vigil also helps participants and the public focus on what is truly important - protecting the public health and safety with education and prevention, and preserving and expanding the number of homes for dogs with loving and responsible owners.

Peaceful & Powerful

First - the spirit of the vigil is peaceful - it's not a protest.   We believe there is too much violence in the world.  As John Lennon said, the love you take is equal to the love you make. Love is a much more powerful force than breed bans, which are based on hate. 

Your Vigil Location

You can hold a vigil in your local town square or park, in front of the shelter, at a dog show - or even in your own back yard.

1. Public Vigils   If you plan to hold a vigil in a public place - in a public park or in front of City Hall - make sure you call your Town Clerk and file for a permit, if one is needed.
2. Private Vigils  You can hold a vigil in a private plate - or even on you own backyard - no permit is necessary, of course.

Vigil Activities

Prepare An Itinery

Welcome Your Guests

Distribute The Candles

Opening Statement

Moment Of Silence

Read The List Aloud

Pledge Of Support For Breed-Neutral Policies

Pledge To Educate Community On Dog Bite Prevention

Sign The Petitions

Music

Handshakes & Hugs

Remember........

Breed bans and other forms of breed discrimination are not just directed at innocent dogs, but at the people who own the dogs.