Pit Bull Persuasion

Ann SaariJon SimsAllison Smith

THE PIT BULL

NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS

GROTESQUE

“ruthless”

“Pit bulls in Charlotte — status symbol or menace?”

GROTESQUE

“attacked without provocation by a pit bull”

“bad owners”

GROTESQUE

“leading the charge to get pit bulls banned from Mecklenburg County”

“pit bull attack”

“harm”

GROTESQUE

“pit bull attacking the dog”

“bad owners”

“rough”

Sharing facts will provide education to prevent any misconceptions about Pit Bulls.

Using the theory of Visual Rhetoric, images will change any negative perceptions of Pit Bulls.

App proposal to increase the Pit Bull adoption in Charlotte, NC

OUR GOAL

Myth: Pit Bulls are human aggressive by nature

Myth: Pit Bulls are inherently vicious

Myth: Pit Bulls are responsible for most fatal dog attacks

MYTHS

Registered Population # of Reported Attacks Breed % vs. Population  Approx.  240,000            12   Chow Chow   .005%

  Approx.  800,000            67   German Shepherd   .008375%

  Approx.  960,000            70   Rottweiler   .00729%

  Approx.  128,000            18   Great Dane   .01416%

  Approx.  114,000            14   Doberman   .012288%

  Approx.  72,000            10   St. Bernard   .0139%

  Approx. 5,000,000            60   Pit Bulls    .0012%

19 th Century – Pit Bulls were created in England by breeding English Bulldogs and Terriers

1860s – Bred in England and brought to the US for herding, livestock protection and family protection

HISTORY

HISTORY

1898 – The United Kennel Club was formed and recognized the Pit Bull as one of the first breeds

1914 – 1918 – Dubbed “America’s Dog” during World War I

Pit Bulls jaws do not lock and exert 1,600 lbs per square inch with their bite. Pit Bulls jaws do not lock and exert 235 lbs per square inch, which is lower than the average for all dogs.

86.8% of Pit Bulls have passed their temperament tests and rated fourth following Collies, Golden Retrievers and Beagles.

78 million dogs owned in the U.S. (4 million are Pit Bulls)

FACTS

Impressive stamina and staunch work ethicPit Bulls enjoy a variety of activities, including agility,

disc dog competitions, flyball, freestyle and competition obedience. 

PIT BULL QUALITIES

SHELTER FACTS

60% of all dogs in U.S. shelters are euthanized each year.

60% of the total dogs euthanized are Pit Bulls.

30% of dogs admitted to U.S. shelters are labeled as Pit Bulls.

86.7% of Pit Bulls in shelters end up being killed.

Mission – Bring love and hope to all animals by ensuring the humane treatment of companion animals through adoption, spay/neuter and education

Vision – Create a world where there are no homeless and unwanted animals

501(c)3 nonprofit organization“Space available” shelter to offer all animals the

opportunity of a safe and loving home (one gets adopted, another comes in)

HUMANE SOCIETY OF CHARLOTTE

Create an app with the Humane Society of Charlotte called “Pit Finder.”

Anyone who accesses an “adopt” option on the Humane Society app, will first see a “Fun Stuff” flash about Pit Bulls before the user begins their search.

“Fun Stuff” will use Visual Rhetoric and facts to persuade the user to consider adopting a Pit Bull.

If the user continues to view the images and facts, the “Pit Finder” will pop up. The “Pit Finder” option will also be available when they visit adoption on the Humane Society’s app.

PIT FINDER

FUN STUFF

May also include following images…

FUN STUFF

FUN STUFF

FUN STUFF

FUN STUFF

FUN STUFF

FUN STUFF

PIT FINDER

If the user continues to view the “Fun Stuff,” the “Pit Finder” will pop up.

The “Pit Finder” option will also be available when they visit adoption on the Humane Society’s app.

“Pit Finder” will search all available Pit Bulls at the Charlotte Humane Society

(Jon’s part)

TESTIMONIAL

Educate yourself with the truth

Share the truth with others

HOW CAN YOU HELP?