Broward County Animal Care will host community screening of Chasing Chocolate highlighting dog breed misconceptions
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Broward County Animal Care is inviting the community to a special screening of Chasing Chocolate, a documentary that examines the impact of breed-specific legislation, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the agency’s headquarters at 2400 SW 42nd Street in Fort Lauderdale, and attendance is available by RSVP only at [email protected].
Directed by Carla Forte and Dahlia Canes of the Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation (MCABSL), the film explores the consequences of laws that restrict ownership of certain dog breeds. Through personal stories and real-life examples, it highlights the emotional toll these policies take on families and pets, while also celebrating the resilience of both dogs and their advocates.
“This film highlights why compassion and education must lead our animal welfare efforts,” said Doug Brightwell, Director of Broward County Animal Care. “We’re proud to support initiatives that promote understanding and fairness for all breeds.” Brightwell emphasized that the event aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to educate the public about responsible pet ownership and challenge misconceptions about specific breeds.
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Chasing Chocolate delves into the myths surrounding breeds often labeled as “dangerous” or “aggressive” and reveals how such stereotypes can lead to unnecessary suffering for animals and stress for owners. The documentary combines advocacy, interviews with families, and expert insights to provide a comprehensive look at how breed-based laws affect communities.
“Chasing Chocolate exposes the truth about breed discrimination and celebrates the resilience of dogs—and the people—who overcome it,” said Canes, co-director and founder of MCABSL. She explained that the film is intended to encourage viewers to question assumptions about dogs and support policies that focus on behavior and responsible ownership rather than breed alone.
The screening is part of Broward County Animal Care’s broader mission to promote education, compassion, and community engagement around animal welfare issues. In addition to advocating for fair treatment of all breeds, the department works to connect residents with opportunities to adopt, foster, or support shelter pets.
For those interested in attending, RSVPs are required due to limited seating, but the event provides a chance to engage with advocates and learn more about efforts to end breed-specific discrimination. Community members are encouraged to participate, ask questions, and connect with local animal welfare professionals.
For more information on Broward County Animal Care programs or to learn how to adopt, foster, or support pets in the county, residents can visit broward.org/animal or call 954-357-9758. The screening of Chasing Chocolate promises not only to inform but to inspire, offering a glimpse into the lives of dogs and people affected by policies that too often rely on misconceptions rather than compassion.
