Mercy's Kennel (2018)

Mercy's Kennel explores the economic backdrop to what is commonly called "backyard breeding" to show how poverty and lack of education are at the root of pet overpopulation and animal abuse in many underserved areas around the country. To illustrate the plight of the pit bull, G.K. and former breeder Byron Haygood (B. Good) talk with shelter officials, rescue groups, breeders, dog fighters and everyday people on the street. Our story takes a tragic turn when G.K.'s childhood friend, Matthew Hardeman, is brutally murdered. G.K. and Matt's brother, Mickey (Snoop), search for solutions to the violence paralyzing so many inner-city communities, and their quest inevitably leads them back behind bars to more dogs in need of rescue. The parallels drawn between pit bulls and people are unmistakable, unintentional and completely unavoidable. Ultimately, Mercy's Kennel is a story about redemption and salvation that transcends race, culture and economics to present a compelling look at the challenges facing pit bulls and people living in an increasingly hostile world. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." We think the jury is still out on that one.